Exploring Plant-Herbivore Interactions Based on Chemical Ecology

Dear Colleagues,

Phytochemical variation among plant species is one of the most fascinating and perplexing features of the natural world, and has implications for the functioning of ecosystems. A key area of phytochemical variation research has focused on insects that feed on plants, as well as the enormous diversity of plant-derived compounds that reduce or deter damage by insects. Empirical studies on the ecology and evolution of these chemically mediated plant–insect interactions have been guided by a long history of theoretical development. Secondary metabolites can accumulate to significant levels within the tissues of plants undergoing herbivore attack. These can act as attractants and repellents, causing physiological and morphological changes in insects, capable of inhibiting food consumption by larvae, as well as reducing larval emergence and reducing or blocking female oviposition. The goal of the search for novel plant-derived extracts and plant molecules that exhibit activity against several types of insects is to develop alternatives to conventional insecticides, with reduced negative impacts on the environment. The objective of this Special Issue topic is to analyze plant responses to herbivore attack, and/or on the development and reproduction of the insect, in order to explore plant–herbivore interactions. We would like to take this opportunity to invite contributions from experts in this field, or related fields, of research. We encourage submissions of original articles, as well as reviews or mini-reviews, on basic and applied research, innovations and future directions in this research area. Studies based on field, semi-field or laboratory experiments involving aspects of the relationship between insects and plants, with emphasis on changes in the biological and behavioral characteristics of insects arising from secondary plant metabolites, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Rosilda Mara Mussury
Prof. Dr. Anelise Samara Nazari Formagio
Guest Editors

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• insect herbivores
• defense response
• plant–insect interactions
• secondary metabolites
• plant volatiles