Trans-epoxide hydrolase: A key indicator enzyme for herbivory in arthropods

Summary An epoxide hydrolase selective for a trans-epoxide substrate is more commonly associated with arthropod herbivory than is a cis-selective epoxide hydrolase. The distinct selectivities in epoxide hydrolase activities between herbivorous pests and entomophagous arthropods used in their biological control may aid design of integrated pest management systems.We thank E.G. Grafius, F. Matsumura, J.R. Miller, K.L. Strickler and S.G. Wellso together with M.E. Whalon and D. Young at Michigan State University for insects and aid in identification respectively. T.L. Burger, Sr. and D. Perkins, both of the USDA, also supplied insects, and the NSF (DAR-8011600) provided support. R. Feyereisen and D. Vincent of the Department of Entomology, Oregon State University provided helpful commentary. C.A. Mullin is presently at the Pesticide Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. This is paper No. 10926 of the Mich. Agric. Exp. Stn and No. 6790 of the Oregon Agric. Exp. Stn journal series.