Diversity of Squash Plant Floral Volatiles Mediating Beetle Attraction

Abstract

Why do beetles like some squash flowers more than others? Flowers emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are integral for defensive and communicative plant abilities. Certain floral volatiles of squash plants have been known to attract pests like cucumber beetles, while others appear more immune. This study expands on the observation that some squash plants are more infested with pests than others. It aims to decipher which specific floral volatiles are influential in this phenomenon and reveal which squash varieties of Cucurbita maxima have higher/lower levels of these important floral volatiles