This paper provides a conceptual framework for increasing our understanding of the relationships between plant resistance to insect herbivores and insect herbivore influences on ecosystem nutrient cycling and succession. For a given plant species, adequate nutrient/light availability favors establishment and productivity; small insect herbivore populations regulated by plant biochemistry stimul...

BACKGROUND Transgene flow through pollen and seeds leads to transgenic volunteers and feral populations in the nature, and consumer choice and economic incentives determine whether transgenic crops will be cultivated in the field. Transgenic and non-transgenic plants are likely to coexist in the field and natural habitats, but their competitive interactions are not well understood. METHODS Fi...

1. Accumulating evidence indicates that plant resistance against aboveground herbivores can be affected by the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in association with the host plant. Little is known, however, about how AMF composition can influence herbivore choice to feed on a particular plant. 2. Unravelling the preference–performance hypothesis in a multitrophic context is needed ...

Globally plant species richness is a significant predictor of insect richness. Whether this is the result of insect diversity responding directly to plant diversity, or both groups responding in similar ways to extrinsic factors, has been much debated. Here we assess this relationship in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), a biodiversity hotspot. The CFR has higher plant diversity than expected fr...

(Cell 184, 1693–1705.e1–e17; April 1, 2021) We failed to cite two relevant papers in the Discussion of our paper. Our study reports on horizontal transfer a plant gene whiteflies, allowing these insects neutralize common defense compounds. By demonstrating function we highlight evolutionary implications for plant-insect interactions and show potential findings pest control by silencing via gene...