Terpenes and Terpenoids in Plants: Interactions with Environment and Insects

Abstract

The interactions of plants with environment and insects are bi-directional and dynamic. Consequently, a myriad of mechanisms has evolved to engage organisms in different types of interactions. These interactions can be mediated by allelochemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which include volatile terpenes (VTs). The emission of VTs provides a way for plants to communicate with the environment, including neighboring plants, beneficiaries (e.g., pollinators, seed dispersers), predators, parasitoids, and herbivores, by sending enticing or deterring signals. Understanding terpenoid distribution, biogenesis, and function provides an opportunity for the design and implementation of effective and efficient environmental calamity and pest management strategies. This review provides an overview of plant–environment and plant–insect interactions in the context of terpenes and terpenoids as important chemical mediators of these abiotic and biotic interactions.

Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils From Leaves and Flowers of Passiflora sexocellata and Passiflora trifasciata

“…17 However, interactions with environment and insects in plants, promoted by terpenes and terpenoids, involve a myriad of mechanisms, underlining their important role as chemical mediators. 18 In the contest of the present paper, the high amount of terpenes detected in P. sexocellata suggests a mechanism aimed to control the flower visitors, both repelling the presence of undesired predators and as a selective approach promoting specific coevolved pollinators.…”

Bryo-Activities: A Review on How Bryophytes Are Contributing to the Arsenal of Natural Bioactive Compounds against Fungi

“…From a structural point of view, terpenes are simple hydrocarbons, while terpenoids (also called isoprenoids) are terpenes in which the structure has undergone rearrangements and modifications with the addiction of one or more oxygen residues. However, the terms “terpene” and “terpenoid” are often used interchangeably [ 54 ]. The classification of terpenoids is based on the number of carbon atoms included in the structure and in bryophytes the most common and characteristics are monoterpenoids (C10), sesquiterpenoids (C15), diterpenoids (C20) and triterpenoids (C30).…”

Plant Allelochemicals as Sources of Insecticides

“…In most of the coniferous trees, defense against insect pests relies on terpenoids and polyphenols that are accumulated in the resin canals of the xylem [89]. However, these defense compounds are equally distributed throughout the roots and shoots [90]. Terpenoids consist of different numbers of isoprene units, e.g., monoterpenoids (two units), sesquiterpenoids (three units), diterpenoids (four units) and triterpenoids (six units).…”