Our results show that trichomes negatively affected caterpillar body mass and mass gain, although there was no preference or aversion for them in choice assays. To accomplish this, we removed leaf trichomes and added them into artificial diet for caterpillars, and allowed the caterpillars to grow and develop. Using Solanum elaeagnifolium that produce non-glandular stellate trichomes, and Solanum lycopersicum that predominantly produce glandular, non-branched trichomes, we examined how trichomes affect choice and growth of Manduca sexta, a specialist herbivore of plant species belonging to the Solanaceae. However, whether variation in trichome type can have negative effects through the different stages of caterpillar life cycle is poorly understood.
Trichomes, the hair-like projections on plant leaves, have been well studied as an herbivore defense.
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