Induction of plant defenses: the added value of zoophytophagous predators

Several biological control agents of the hemipteran insect families Miridae, Anthocoridae and Pentatomidae, as well mites family Phytoseiidae are known zoophytophagous predators, a subset omnivores, which primarily predaceous but also feed on plants. It has been recently demonstrated that predators capable inducing defenses in plants through their phytophagy. Despite vast fundamental knowledge plant defense mechanisms response to herbivores, our understanding induction by applied implications is relatively poor. In this review, we present physiological basis these activate Current predator-induced summarized groups species for economic importance. Within each group, feeding habits effects induced-plant pests natural enemies detailed. Also, ecological how mediated can interact with other interactors such beneficial soil microorganisms viruses addressed. Based above, propose three approaches exploit crop protection guide future research. These include using vaccination agents, employing biotechnological approaches, applying elicitors elicit/mimic defenses.