Chemical communication between plants and insects

The chemical communication between plants and insects plays a pivotal role in shaping plant–insect interactions ecological networks, making it vital component both natural agricultural ecosystems. Despite the considerable advancements field of ecology (Meinwald & Eisner, 2008), numerous challenges remain due to its interdisciplinary nature (encompassing evolutionary biology, neurobiology, chemistry, animal behavior, network ecology), as well complexity (including mediating mutualistic antagonistic relationships, multifunctional roles at community level). In this special issue Journal Systematics Evolution, we present collection 10 papers addressing these through original research comprehensive reviews relevant subfields. contributions can be organized into four primary themes: (i) community-level theory (Zu et al., 2022) application plant–pollinator communities (Yang 2022); (ii) history from phylogenetic macroevolutionary perspective (Martel 2021; Schwery (iii) various types, including 2021), plant–pest (Fang 2023), plant–fungi–insect (Xu 2023); (iv) an exploration different factors such distyly (Zeng 2022), odor dynamics (Feng structures (Zhang impact herbicides (Ramos 2022). Ecological are characterized by complex interaction networks involving interdependent species. However, traditional studies have primarily focused on specific species, with only few links interactions. With rapid development instruments, there has been growing interest (reviewed Zu This highlights need for conceptual framework practical methodologies expand our mechanistic understanding pairwise species levels. al. (2020) proposed innovative approach incorporating Shannon information (Shannon, 1948), originally developed telecommunication, study communication. issue, (2022) contribute paper outlining fundamentals studying patterns processes cross-species top-down bottom-up perspectives. emphasizes syntactic aspect (statistical structure) rather than semantic (content meaning) information. It defines reproducibility message one end another, allowing calculation clarity (information) or ambiguity (entropy) based probability distributions. (2020, introduced concept “information fitness” describe emitters receivers within landscape. plant–herbivore network, their relationship suggests conflicting (information arms race), where aim maximize herbivore decoding uncertainty while herbivores strive minimize 2020). contrast, involve pollinators seeking locate floral resources. Plants, however, must balance minimizing preventing parties eavesdropping Yang examined scenario fig–fig wasp system, finding that empirical were accurately represented when considering plants’ dual objectives attracting mutualists confusing antagonists. integration holds great potential advancing coevolution (Sole, Plants evolved together hundreds millions years (Ehrlich Raven, 1964). affect interactions, adaptations, diversification. Therefore, studies, which consider using approaches, offer valuable insights plant chemicals provide review outlook perspective, focusing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), key group olfactory suggested produce more 1700 flower volatiles (Knudsen 2006; Farré-Armengol 2020), relatively large portion receptor genes genomes enable them discriminate signals Khallaf Knaden, found among 3000 publications scent 65 met evaluation criteria. Topic-wise, most (instead insects), attraction VOCs deterring roles), taxonomic groups related cooccurring communities). Methodology-wise, majority employed approaches test (whether closely similar relatedness shared history) trait evolution (e.g., traits ancestral how fast evolve). To make methods accessible wide audiences, went explain suited tackle questions, gave published examples use, highlighted useful software tools R packages). Furthermore, they also include some exciting new currently under Hardenberg Gonzalez-Voyer, 2013; Tarasov 2019), example, trend moving correlational causational inference many fields (Verma Pearl, 1990; Shipley, 2016; Saavedra These possibilities may revolutionize addition paper, Martel (2021) provided nice case orchid genus Neotinea. Floral play important pollinator shifts diversification even without changes morphology Shuttleworth Johnson, 2010). All Neotinea deceptive, ustulata attracts specialized tachinid flies (mostly males). N. unique cuticular composition featured two alkenes high relative quantities. hydrocarbons like insect sex pheromones stimulate electrophysiological responses antennae. By further mapping production concentration tribe Orchidinae corresponding each bee pollination absence states tribe. is exaptation evolve quantities alkenes, fly was innovation ustulata. Chemical ancient ubiquitous channel communication, suggesting range across multiple For not shown (2021), but crucial communications insects. Fang (2023) studied recognition juniper bark borers Semanotus bifasciatus. longhorned beetle causes severe damage tree emitted males females qualitatively same, quantitatively different. Using bioassays, showed three functional whether mixture will trigger mating attempts either depends ratios (female-specific male-specific ratios). sex-dependent elicitation help us better design pest control. another Xu reviewed understudied cross-kingdom tripartite type. They summarized plant-associated fungi influences direct effects interactions; indirect modifying host metabolites modulate implications, decomposition, pollination, herbivory, spread disease forestry crops associated pathogenic fungi. blends needed future decipher infochemicals experimental settings conditions. heritable 2016) strongly influenced biotic abiotic environment Schiestl Ayasse, 2001; Majetic 2009). Consequently, variety diverse dynamic volatiles, affecting functionality Feng investigated rhythms nectar color change Lonicera japonica, Caprifoliaceae. A total 34 detected flowers emission significantly higher second night other times. major compounds, Linalool, cis-3-Hexenyl tiglate, Germacrene D night, content Linalool decreased gradually, tiglate increased did differ flowering times match secretion, (visual) (olfactory) filtering visitors. Moreover, variation intraspecific system transitions. breakdown homostyly represents classic example shift outcrossing selfing Primula. Zeng significant populations Primula oreodoxa. homostylous distylous (long- short-styled) morphs rate composition. Specifically, homo- di-stylous distinguished 12 mainly monoterpenoids sesquiterpenoids. Of (E)-β-Ocimene contributing difference lower emissions homostyles. result supported hypothesis transition accompanied loss modification fragrances P. oreodoxa relaxed selection attractiveness populations. subtler differences conformational diversity odors could animals complicated. Lianlool representative compound exhibits obviously characteristics actually exists enantiomeric isomers nature, enantiomers occur randomly disproportionately (Raguso, 2016). Based literature, Zhang biosynthesis transcriptional regulation terpenoids Lianlool, then biological function linalool emitting dominant appeal broad assemblages pollinators, especially moths bees main Linalool- flowers. distinct functions. (S)-(+)-Linalool (R)-(−)-Linalool seems act repellent. Thus, biofunctional genetic mechanisms behind unveiling survival strategies. Additionally, theoretical foundation basis existence directional transformation plants. delicate indirectly impacted global increase intensive agriculture availability herbicide-resistant habitat degradation climate (Soroye 2020; Wagner Zattara Aizen, 2021). Considering interfere biosynthetic pathways phytohormones involved several classes mediate Ramos argue exposure sublethal herbicide doses alter disruptions After discussing target-site (disruptors metabolism) non-target-site (synthetic auxins) disrupt avenues fill current gap knowledge might derive recommendations applied solutions impacts biodiversity. We thank all authors anonymous reviewers diligent efforts. eagerly anticipate groundbreaking realm communications.