Plant-insect interactions: an evolutionary arms race between two distinct defense mechanisms

Abstract

In this review, plant-insect interaction is discussed as a dynamic system, subjected to continual variation and change. Plants developed different mechanisms to reduce insect attack, including specific responses that activate different metabolic pathways which considerably alter their chemical and physical aspects. On the other hand, insects developed several strategies to overcome plant defense barriers, allowing them to feed, grow and reproduce on their host plants. This review foccuses on several aspects of this complex interaction between plants and insects, including chemical-derived substances, protein-derived molecules and volatile compounds of plants whereas metabolization, sequestration or avoidance are in turn employed by the insects.

Caracterização morfoagronômica preliminar de acessos de pimentas cumari

“…Alguns estudos têm mostrado que tricomas podem atuar de diversas maneiras sobre os insetos (Melo & Silva Filho, 2002;Petters, 2002;Matos et al, 2009). Uma das formas seria como barreira química, liberando substâncias que podem ter efeito sobre alimentação, oviposição e sobrevivência, dentre outros aspectos (Krips et al, 1999;Mishalska, 2003;Simmons & Gurr, 2005), ou mesmo, compondo uma barreira física ao seu deslocamento na (Genda et al, 2005).…”

Toxicity of the phenolic extract from jabuticabeira (Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg) fruit skins on Spodoptera frugiperda

“…This result was probably due to the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract, such as hydrolysable tannins which can significantly reduce insect survival and growth, since they inactivate digestive enzymes and create a tannin-protein complex that is difficult to digest (Mello and Silva-Filho, 2002); or catechin that shows higher toxicity to insects that tannins, although it has low affinity for proteins (Monteiro et al, 2005). Gallo et al (2006) also observed inhibition of larval growth of S. frugiperda as a result of the activity of condensed tannins from extracts of Siphoneugena densiflora Berg (Myrtaceae).…”

Potencialidade inseticida de extratos aquosos de essências florestais sobre mosca-branca

“…Taninos são classificados como substâncias quantitativas, por serem redutores digestivos, com efeito proporcional à concentração (Strong et al, 1984). Reduzem, significativamente, o crescimento e a sobrevivência de insetos, uma vez que inativam enzimas digestivas e criam um complexo de taninos-proteínas de difícil digestão (Mello & Silva-Filho, 2002). Variedades de sorgo (Sorghum vulgare) com alto teor de taninos prolongam o ciclo de ovo a adulto e diminuem o peso dos descendentes de Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (Larcher, 2000).…”