Chemical Constitution of Surface Wax and Effect of Rasping-sucking by Thrips on Wax Contents in Ficus benjamina Leaves

Abstract:

In order to understand the chemical constitution of surface wax in leaves of Ficus benjamina Linn. and the changes in wax contents rasp-sucked by thrips, the chemical constitution of surface wax and its contents in leaves at different damage grades by thrips were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). The results showed that there were 32 compounds in surface wax of F. benjamina leaves, including 9 acids, 8 ahcohols, 5 esters, 5 ketones and 5 hydrocarbons. The changes in total amount of surface wax, the total ion peak area of compounds, the relative content of each compounds, the ion peak area of each compounds and its main component in different grade leaves damaged by thrips were different. The chemical constitution and contents of surface wax could reflect the damage degree by thrips either directly or indirectly. It was suggested that the chemical constitution of surface wax and its contents had played a major role in interaction and co-evolution between F. benjamina and thrips.