Secondary metabolites in plant-insect interactions: dynamic systems of induced and adaptive responses

Pickett, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8386-3770, Smiley, D. and Woodcock, C. 2008. Secondary metabolites in plant-insect interactions: dynamic systems of induced and adaptive responses. Callow, J., ed. Advances in Botanical Research, Vol. 30. Advances in Botanical Research, vol. C. Academic Press, pp. 91-115. (10.1016/S0065-2296(08)60227-X)

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the secondary metabolites in plant-insect interactions. It has long been accepted that plant-insect interactions involve the evolution of defensive secondary metabolic pathways in plants to which insects can adapt. New theories are being proposed to account for the wide diversity of such interactions, particularly where production of plant secondary metabolites is inducible. This chapter briefly describes the more widely known mechanisms by which secondary metabolites act, such as direct toxicity, antifeedancy and sequestration. Key areas covered in greater depth involve the volatile secondary metabolites produced by plants, both inherently and in response to the stress of insect feeding and colonization. Interactions described include the location of host plants by insects and the corresponding avoidance of unsuitable host plants. The roles of volatile plant compounds in the attraction of predators and parasitoids to plants already hosting insect populations, and in the synergism of insect pheromone activity, are discussed.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Chemistry
Publisher:	Academic Press
ISSN:	00652296
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2026 16:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185182

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