“…In many cases, trichomes interfere with the feeding of herbivores (Esau, 1965) and constitute physical defensive structures, which sometimes simply have the potential to impede infestation of insect pests (Ambrósio et al, 2008). Alternatively, plant protection can be provided by natural enemies of insects that impose selection for increased trichome density (Loughner et al, 2008). Evidence also shows the influence of leaf trichomes on foliar fungal infection; to prevent these infections, trichomes are particularly important because they secrete compounds that have antimicrobial activities and contribute to plant defence against pathogens (Amme et al, 2005;Calo et al, 2006;Skaltsa et al, 1994).…”