Role of natural products in nature: Plant-insect interactions

Abstract

The chapter discusses the interactions of relatively low molecular weight and largely lipophilic secondary plant metabolites with insects and some other invertebrates. This includes compounds stored within plant tissues that are toxic to insects by a range of mechanisms. It covers metabolites that are both constitutively produced and those that are induced in response to defence signalling stimuli including insect attack. Also included are volatile compounds released from plants that act as signals (semiochemicals) detected by herbivorous insects and those that interact with insects at higher trophic levels. Finally, plant to plant communication is described.