Resistance mechanisms and protein expression of screening genotypes of alfalfa field germplasm to alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyll) (Col, Curculionidae)

The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyll) is a serious pest that adversely affects alfalfa forage yield and completely destroys the harvest in the early season every year. In this study, we evaluated the mechanisms of antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance of 16 genotypes obtained from the screening field, between 18 and 27 °C in April and May 2014 in a completely randomized design with four replications at the greenhouse condition. The rate of expressed proteins and their differences within genotypes were analyzed using SDS-PAGE method. The trichome density and leaf chlorophyll content and their impact on the quantity of weevil larvae were evaluated. We used Mantel test to determine the correlation between greenhouse features and data from one-dimensional SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. No significant correlation was observed between the traits in the greenhouse and molecular data. Using ward method, the studied genotypes were divided into three groups: resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible. The genotypes "Mahali-Bami", "Talents 2"," Hamadani 106" and "code 108" can be further investigated in the future for their potential resistance to alfalfa weevil larvae.