The role of floral volatile organic compounds in plant-insect interactions.

Abstract

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) produced by plants are secondary products of their metabolism and are related to a wide range of ecological functions. When present in flowers, VOCs profiles are not only associated with mutualisms such as pollination, but also to antagonistic processes such as herbivory or dishonest signaling. Their presence, profiles and concentrations in flowers are under selection mediated by the trade-off between survivorship and reproduction of plants, i.e. antagonist and mutualist interactions mediated by VOCs. In the mutualistic interactions, VOCs can act synergistically with visual signals ensuring the attention of pollinators for longer periods and/or distances. Despite the fundamental role of floral scents on the reproductive biology, few studies addressing the evolution of this floral trait have been reported. This review highlights the importance of floral volatiles on ecological interactions, mainly on plant-insect interactions.