Plant Secondary Metabolites as Defense Tools against Herbivores for Sustainable Crop Protection.

ABSTRACT: Plants have evolved several adaptive strategies through physiological changes in response to herbivore attacks. Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are synthesized to provide defensive functions and regulate defense signaling pathways to safeguard plants against herbivores. Herbivore injury initiates complex reactions which ultimately lead to synthesis and accumulation of PSMs. The biosynthesis of these metabolites is regulated by the interplay of signaling molecules comprising phytohormones. Plant volatile metabolites are released upon herbivore attack and are capable of directly inducing or priming hormonal defense signaling pathways. Secondary metabolites enable plants to quickly detect herbivore attacks and respond in a timely way in a rapidly changing scenario of pest and environment.

SUBMITTER: Divekar PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8910576 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature