Factors restricting the feeding of the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala)

The feeding acceptability of 40 different plants to Psylliodes chrysocephala L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was determined using leaf disc consumption tests for the adult, and stem or petiole penetration tests for the larvae. Only plants that contained glucosinolates were accepted as food, but addition of the glucosinolate sinigrin to rejected food plants did not make them acceptable to adults. Of the 34 plants that contained glucosinolates, nine were either totally or mostly rejected. Solvent extracts of the rejected plants applied to oilseed rape inhibited feeding by adults. The feeding of P. chrysocephala within the group of plants tested is influenced by the presence or absence of glucosinolates, which may act as feeding stimulants, and other, unidentified chemicals which act as feeding inhibitors.