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Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Herbivore-induced Blueberry Volatiles and Intra-plant Signaling
Published on: December 18, 2011
Using plant chemistry to improve interactions between plants, herbivores and their natural enemies: challenges and
Matthias Erb1, Tobias Züst2, Christelle Aurélie Maud Robert1
1Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Plant secondary (or specialized) metabolites determine multitrophic interaction dynamics. Herbivore natural enemies exploit plant volatiles for host location and are negatively affected by plant defense chemicals that are transferred through herbivores. Recent work shows that herbivore natural enemies can evolve resistance to plant defense chemicals, and that generating plant defense resistance through forward evolution enhances their capacity to prey on herbivores. Here, we discuss how this knowledge can be used to engineer better biocontrol agents. We argue that herbivore natural enemies which are adapted to plant chemistry will likely enhance the efficacy of future pest control efforts. Detailed phenotyping and field experiments will be necessary to quantify costs and benefits of optimizing chemical links between plants and higher trophic levels.
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