Chemical Ecology in Host–Parasitoid Interactions: Signals, Strategies, and Survival
A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 1405
Special Issue Editor
Interests: pest control; natural enemy; parasitoids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Host–parasitoid interactions represent one of the most intricate and evolutionarily refined relationships in ecological systems, driven largely by chemical communication. This Special Issue explores the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pheromones, and other chemical cues mediating these interactions. Contributions will highlight how parasitoids exploit host-derived chemical signals for localization and oviposition, as well as how hosts evolve counter-strategies, such as detoxification or behavioral avoidance. We welcome studies on molecular mechanisms, field-based ecological observations, and applied research leveraging these interactions for pest management. By synthesizing recent advances in chemical ecology, this Special Issue aims to uncover universal principles and context-dependent variations in these dynamic systems.
Dr. Xueke Gao
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects 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 2600 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
- chemical ecology
- host–parasitoid interactions
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- pest management
- co-evolution
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