Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.2
Journals
IJPB
Special Issues
Plant Resistance to Insects
share announcement

Plant Resistance to Insects

A Special Issue of International Journal of Plant Biology (ISSN 2037-0164) belonging to the section "Plant Response to Stresses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2026) | Viewed by 15516

Editor

Prof. Dr. Horacio Salomón Ballina-Gómez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Mexico City, Mexico
Interests: seedling; ecology and evolution; plant ecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Beyond the green of the leaves! These are not just simple green leaves, but rather an entire array of information contained within plants. Thus, this Special Issue aims to offer a small window into the marvelous world of plant responses to herbivorous insect damage. It may seem simple, like "being attacked and defending oneself", but within this brief expression, there are countless ways plants can respond. A journey that can begin (though not in order of importance) in the depths of secondary metabolism, though secondary only in name, as these compounds are of primary importance. Continuing with functional plant traits and morphological leaf traits, many species use these to deter damage caused by herbivorous insects, and which are currently being used to design strategies to reduce pesticide use in crop species, ultimately achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly vision. In this way, we arrive at the fascinating world of indirect defenses. These occur either through the release of compounds that attract the enemies of insects or by activating plant defense priming, where the neighborhood of the target species' population becomes involved. In recent years, there has been a significant shift in all these responses, not only due to new discoveries but also because of environmental changes. With this Special Issue, I hope to offer a current perspective on the multiple and fascinating ways that plants deal with equally incredible herbivorous insects, which, in the end, also form part of the beautiful nature of our beloved Pachamama.

Prof. Dr. Horacio Salomón Ballina-Gómez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Plant Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • herbivorous insects
  • plant ecology
  • plant defense
  • leaf traits
  • natural enemies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 1842 KB  
Article
Foliar Damage Thresholds Associated with Enallodiplosis discordis Infestation in Neltuma pallida Seedlings in the Tropical Dry Forest of Northern Peru
by Silvana Marigorda-Castro, Karol Vilchez-Estrada, Javier Javier-Alva, Yuliana Mendoza-Martínez, Delia Talledo-Ancajima, Krizia Pretell-Monzón, Benoit Diringer, Carlos Granda-Wong, William Nauray-Huari and Gastón Cruz
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(7), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17070053 - 3 Jul 2026
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Neltuma pallida is a multi-purpose tree species of the seasonally dry tropical forests of northern Peru, where it provides essential ecological and socioeconomic functions. However, recurrent defoliation associated with the cecidomyiid gall midge Enallodiplosis discordis may compromise early seedling establishment and the success [...] Read more.
Neltuma pallida is a multi-purpose tree species of the seasonally dry tropical forests of northern Peru, where it provides essential ecological and socioeconomic functions. However, recurrent defoliation associated with the cecidomyiid gall midge Enallodiplosis discordis may compromise early seedling establishment and the success of forest restoration programs. This study evaluated the effects of larval infestation on foliar integrity and established quantitative damage thresholds in N. pallida seedlings under dry forest conditions. Insects collected from naturally infested plants were identified using an integrative taxonomic approach that combined classical morphological diagnosis with COI-based DNA barcoding obtained by Sanger sequencing. Morphological assessment assigned the defoliating dipteran to E. discordis, while BLASTn v2.17.0. analysis of the 576-bp partial COI sequence showed 92.6% identity and 100% query coverage with Cecidomyiidae records, supporting its taxonomic placement within this family. Field bioassays conducted over a 17-week period, in which 25 individual seedlings were evaluated (N = 25), revealed a strong and significant positive correlation between larval density and foliar damage percentage (r = 0.872; p < 0.001), with moderate damage levels predominating throughout the evaluation period. Despite sustained larval presence, seedlings did not reach severe damage categories, suggesting potential relative tolerance to partial defoliation under the evaluated field conditions. Temperature and relative humidity were not significantly associated with infestation intensity or foliar damage during the study period. Overall, these findings indicate that E. discordis-associated foliar damage represents a relevant, although not necessarily lethal, biotic constraint for the early regeneration of N. pallida under the field conditions assessed. The quantitative thresholds reported here provide useful criteria for dry forest restoration programs, phytosanitary monitoring, and integrated pest management strategies in the Peruvian dry forest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance to Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 77169 KB  
Article
Structural Complexity of Quercus virgiliana Galls Induced by Andricus quercustozae (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
by Sanja Puljas, Juraj Kamenjarin and Ivica Šamanić
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2026, 17(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17020009 - 5 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360
Abstract
Cynipid gall wasps are known for their ability to manipulate host plant development, redirecting undifferentiated tissues into complex, highly specialised structures. In this study, we investigated how Andricus quercustozae larvae manipulate axillary bud tissues of Quercus virgiliana across four key stages of gall [...] Read more.
Cynipid gall wasps are known for their ability to manipulate host plant development, redirecting undifferentiated tissues into complex, highly specialised structures. In this study, we investigated how Andricus quercustozae larvae manipulate axillary bud tissues of Quercus virgiliana across four key stages of gall development: initiation, differentiation and growth, maturation, and lignification. Using detailed histological analyses, we characterised progressive tissue differentiation within galls, focusing on the organisation of nutritive, protective, and vascular tissues. Gall development was marked by sustained hyperplasia and hypertrophy, extensive vascular proliferation, and progressive cell wall lignification, resulting in a complex organ optimised for larval nutrition and protection. To complement these anatomical observations, we conducted a preliminary transcriptomic comparison between gall tissue and unmodified leaf tissue. Gene expression analyses revealed suppression of photosynthesis-related functions and coordinated modulation of developmental, regulatory, and metabolic pathways, consistent with a transition from assimilatory leaf tissue to a specialised nutrient sink. Integration of anatomical and transcriptomic evidence supports a model in which cynipid gall wasps intervene at key regulatory nodes of bud development, progressively reprogramming host tissues to form a functionally autonomous gall. These findings provide new insight into the extended phenotype and highlight the plasticity of plant developmental programmes under insect control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance to Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3687 KB  
Article
Acaricidal Activity of Botanical Oils Against Tetranychus urticae and Their Non-Target Effects on Amblyseius swirskii and Photosynthesis in Papaya
by Alicia A. Ibarra-Moguel, Marcos E. Cua-Basulto, Alejandra González-Moreno, Esaú Ruiz-Sánchez, Jehú G. Noh-Kú, Adrián I. Fernández-Basto and René Garruña
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040138 - 5 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1487
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of botanical oils on the mortality of the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae, the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii, and on gas exchange in papaya seedlings. Two vegetable oils (soybean and corn), two [...] Read more.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of botanical oils on the mortality of the phytophagous mite Tetranychus urticae, the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii, and on gas exchange in papaya seedlings. Two vegetable oils (soybean and corn), two essential oils (lavender and oregano), a synthetic pesticide (abamectin), and a control (water) were evaluated on papaya seedlings infested with T. urticae. In laboratory assays, within the first day after application, abamectin caused 100% mortality of T. urticae adults, followed closely by soybean (96%), corn (94.7%), and lavender (94.7%) oils. In A. swirskii, abamectin caused 100% mortality within 24 h; at 72 h, corn and lavender oils reached 96%, while oregano oil caused the least mortality (67.3%). In field trials, both abamectin and botanical oils statistically reduced eggs per leaf 24 h after application relative to the control, and a similar pattern was observed for nymphs 48 h after treatment. Botanical oils equaled abamectin in T. urticae adult suppression by 72 h, and soybean caused complete adult mortality by day 14. Regarding gas exchange, abamectin significantly affected the photosynthesis and transpiration processes. Thus, botanical oils represent viable biorational options for managing T. urticae in papaya, with lower ecological and physiological costs than abamectin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance to Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 996 KB  
Article
Interactive Effect of Copper and Herbivory on the Whole-Plant Growth of Leucaena leucocephala
by Shirley Margarita Amaya-Martín, Horacio Salomón Ballina-Gómez, Esaú Ruíz-Sánchez, Gabriel Jesús Azcorra-Perera, Roberto Rafael Ruiz-Santiago and Jacques Fils Pierre
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16030076 - 6 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534
Abstract
This study investigated how Leucaena leucocephala, a dry forest plant, copes with soil copper and herbivory caused by Schistocerca piceifrons, crucial for understanding species adaptation in stressed environments. A 33-day factorial experiment with three copper and two herbivory treatments assessed seedling [...] Read more.
This study investigated how Leucaena leucocephala, a dry forest plant, copes with soil copper and herbivory caused by Schistocerca piceifrons, crucial for understanding species adaptation in stressed environments. A 33-day factorial experiment with three copper and two herbivory treatments assessed seedling growth rates (relative growth rate of biomass—RGRB, and leaf area—RGRLA), morphology, net assimilation rate (NAR), biomass allocation, and survival. Seedlings demonstrated compensatory growth in terms of RGRB and RGRLA under high copper and herbivory. Although copper decreased overall survival, surviving individuals effectively compensated for herbivory damage. These tolerance responses, primarily driven by an increased NAR (accounting for 98% of compensation), aligned with the limiting resource model. While most morphological components remained stable, herbivory specifically increased the root–shoot ratio. These findings indicate L. leucocephala possesses significant resilience through physiological adjustments, like enhancing NAR, and biomass reallocation strategies, allowing it to persist despite multiple stressors common in dry forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance to Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 6980 KB  
Communication
Pollination and Essential Oil Production of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae)
by Riley B. Jackson, Tyler M. Wilson, Joseph S. Wilson, Zabrina Ruggles, Lindsey Topham Wilson, Chris Packer, Jacob G. Young, Christopher R. Bowerbank and Richard E. Carlson
Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16030072 - 1 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 9651
Abstract
Lavandula angustifolia Mill., lavender, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated throughout the world, is an important economic plant. Several studies have investigated two aspects of this aromatic plant: (1) which pollinators, [...] Read more.
Lavandula angustifolia Mill., lavender, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated throughout the world, is an important economic plant. Several studies have investigated two aspects of this aromatic plant: (1) which pollinators, particularly bees, pollinate lavender, and (2) the composition of lavender essential oil. However, little research has been conducted to investigate how pollination affects either the yield or phytochemistry of lavender. The current study, which was conducted in North America, investigates which bee species visit lavender and how pollination affects plant chemistry, specifically the essential oil produced by lavender. Over the course of the 5-week observational period, a total of 12 species (across 10 genera) of bees were identified visiting lavender. Compared to previous studies on cultivated lavender at the same site (Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm, Mona, UT), four bee species not previously observed on lavender were identified. These included Hoplitis producta, Nomada sp., Osmia trevoris, and Megachile snowi. Pollinated lavender, compared to lavender excluded from pollinators, produced more essential oil (yield (w/w) = 1.49% vs. 1.07%), lower relative amounts of linalool (35.4% vs. 39.9%), and higher relative amounts of linalyl acetate (21.3% vs. 16.8%). The findings of this study demonstrate the ecological interactions between pollinators and lavender, and how those interactions impact phytochemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance to Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop