Role of glandular scales of lepidote rhododendrons in insect resistance.

Glandular scales on selected lepidote rhododendron species varied in density from 109 ± 13 to 4180 ± 60/cm(2) of leaf surface. Globules contained within the scales stained with Sudan IV, a lipophilic dye. Essential oil contents of the scales varied with species from 24 ± 8 to 151 ± 35 ng/scale. Black vine weevil [(Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.)] feeding on leaves from a sample of rhododendron species was inversely related to leaf essential oil content, and weevil feeding on membrane filters was inhibited by application of essential oil extracts from leaves of most lepidote rhododendrons tested. Results suggest that the glandular scales of the lepidote rhododendrons function, at least in part, in plant defense against insects.