Plant phenotypic plasticity in the phytobiome: a volatile issue

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant Science
• Chemical Ecology

Background:

• Plants exist within complex phytobiomes, interacting with microbes and larger organisms.
• Arthropod herbivory triggers plants to release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), which act as public signals.
• These HIPVs can be detected and utilized by various phytobiome members, not just the interacting parties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how non-interacting phytobiome members modulate HIPV induction and response.
• To investigate the consequences of HIPV utilization by other organisms for the plant.
• To understand the net benefit or detriment of HIPV emission within the broader phytobiome context.

Main Methods:

• This study is primarily theoretical, synthesizing existing research on plant-insect-microbe interactions.
• It involves analyzing the ecological roles and signaling pathways of HIPVs.
• The research focuses on the dynamics of information flow within the phytobiome.

Main Results:

• HIPV emission influences both the induction and response of other phytobiome members.
• The use of HIPVs by other organisms can have mixed outcomes for the plant, potentially beneficial or detrimental.
• Phytobiome members can modulate the plant's HIPV signaling.

Conclusions:

• Understanding HIPV emission requires considering the entire phytobiome context.
• The evolutionary consequences of HIPV emission are determined by the collective responses within the phytobiome.
• HIPV signaling is a crucial factor in plant-environment interactions and phytobiome dynamics.