Plants strike back: Plant volatiles and their role in indirect defence against aphids

Abstract

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved different strategies to defend themselves against various biotic stressors. An important aspect of the complex response of plants to biotic stress is the emission of volatile compounds (VOCs), which are involved in direct and indirect plant defence mechanisms. Indirect plant defences include a range of plant traits that mediate defence against herbivores and play an important ecological role by not only utilising plants' own capabilities, but also signalling and attracting natural enemies of herbivores. Often the combination of volatiles emitted is specific to herbivores; they are consequently recognised by parasites and other predators, providing a clear link between the volatile signature and the prey. In this review, we focus on indirect plant defence and summarise current knowledge and perspectives on relationships between plants, aphids and parasitic wasps.

Evaluation of Artemisia absinthium L. Essential Oil as a Potential Novel Prophylactic against the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama

“…Plant volatiles are crucial in herbivore host location and recognition [42]. Odors and plant colors mediate how herbivore insects find and recognize their potential host [43].…”

Harnessing Phytohormones: Advancing Plant Growth and Defence Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture

“…This approach aids in elucidating the specific roles and functions of individual phytohormones in various physiological processes. In such investigations, beyond merely conducting enzymatic reactions or volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling, employing transcriptomics and proteomics techniques allows for the analysis of alterations in gene expression or protein abundance resulting from phytohormone treatments or genetic modifications (Zhu et al, 2019; Yang et al, 2023; Gupta et al, 2024; Hu et al, 2024; Kumari et al, 2024; Xiao et al, 2024). Through this comprehensive approach, researchers can attain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing hormone regulation (Liu et al, 2023).…”

Plant volatiles and color compounds: From biosynthesis to function

“…Karalija et al (2023) reviewed how plants use volatile compounds as a defense mechanism against aphids. The authors emphasized the complexity and ecological significance of the tritrophic interplay between host plants, aphids, and parasitic wasps, all of which are directly influenced by climate change.…”