Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
10:20
Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
14.0K
Domestication impacts on plant-herbivore interactions: a meta-analysis
Susan R Whitehead1, Martin M Turcotte2, Katja Poveda3
1Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Comstock Hall 4117, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA swhitehead@vt.edu.
Summary
Domestication has reduced crop plant defenses against insects, making them more vulnerable to herbivores. This study analyzed 73 crops, finding decreased herbivore resistance despite varied impacts on specific defense traits.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Crop domestication has significantly altered plant phenotypes from wild ancestors.
- A prevailing hypothesis suggests domestication may have unintentionally reduced plant defenses against herbivores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that domestication reduces plant defenses against insect herbivores.
- To compare insect herbivore resistance and plant defense traits between domesticated crops and their wild relatives.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a phylogenetically controlled meta-analysis.
- Included 2098 comparisons across 73 crops from 89 studies.
- Assessed insect herbivore resistance and plant defense traits (secondary metabolites, physical barriers).
Main Results:
- Domestication consistently reduced plant resistance to herbivores.
- The magnitude of reduced resistance varied by plant organ and measurement method.
- Domestication had no consistent effect on specific defense traits, which sometimes increased and sometimes decreased.
- Negative effects on defense traits were consistent only in reproductive or harvested organs.
Conclusions:
- Domestication generally leads to decreased herbivore resistance in crops.
- The evolution of plant defenses under domestication is complex and context-dependent.
- Further understanding is needed on how agronomic selection impacts species interactions affecting food system sustainability.
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