Foliar behaviour of biogenic semi-volatiles: potential applications in sustainable pest management

Adedayo O. Mofikoya,Jarmo K. Holopainen,Minna Kivimäenpää,Thuy Nga T. Bui,Sari J. Himanen,James D. Blande

doi:10.1007/s11829-019-09676-1

Adedayo O. Mofikoya, Jarmo K. Holopainen + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-019-09676-1

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Abstract

Plants emit an extremely diverse bouquet of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from their above-ground and below-ground parts. Emissions are constitutive or induced, e.g. by herbivores. VOCs can be classified as highly volatile, volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Sesquiterpenes (SQTs) are typical semi-volatile organic compounds (sVOCs) released by plants. Similarly, herbivore-induced homoterpenes and methyl salicylate also have relatively low volatility. SVOCs have a high boiling point (> 240 °C) and a vapour pressure below 0.005 kPa at 25 °C. Glandular trichomes on plant surfaces can store SQTs in mixtures with more volatile VOCs, which are released into the air by diffusion or after gland rupture. The sVOCs stored in glandular trichomes often have repellent effects on herbivores, while herbivore-induced sVOCs are known for their attractiveness to natural enemies of herbivores, i.e. they act in indirect chemical defence of plants. Due to their low volatility, sVOCs produced by plants may easily adhere to the surfaces of emitter and neighbouring plants during the colder temperatures that plants face, e.g. at night. On the foliage of neighbouring receiver plants, sVOCs may act in direct and indirect defence of that plant species. When the temperature rises again, sVOCs are released into the atmosphere. The semi-volatile reaction products of highly volatile plant monoterpenes and photochemical pollutants such as ozone could constitute further sVOCs on plant leaf surfaces. Here, we review recent literature of the plant surface–environment interaction of biogenic sVOCs and particularly evaluate potential crop protection strategies such as intercropping and companion planting using sVOC-emitting species. Foliage typically forms the widest surfaces on crop plants, and foliar herbivory is a major type of pest damage during the vegetative stage of crop plants. Foliage is also a major source of herbivore-induced VOC emissions. Consequently, we focus on foliage-mediated sVOCs and their potential in pest management.

Highlights

A better knowledge and appreciation of the ecological interactions between plants and associated biota and the trophic cascades that take place in agroecosystems is a requirement for sustainable and more climate-resilient food production and food security under changing climatic conditions1 3 Vol.:(0123456789)(Tilman et al 2002; Francis et al 2003; Haddad et al 2011; Altieri et al 2012; Giron et al 2018)
If we assume that the worldwide use of neonicotinoids could be replaced by using volatile organic compounds (VOCs)-rich and semi-volatile organic compounds (sVOCs)-rich secondary plants and more intensive use of natural essential oils, it would mean a reduction in the climate warming effects of production and photochemical degradation of synthetic insecticides, and potentially a climate-cooling through increased natural VOC and sVOC emissions from agriculture
The beneficial aspects of sVOCs of crop plants and secondary companion plants could have an important role in the development of more sustainable pest control methods for increasing crop production

Summary

Introduction

A better knowledge and appreciation of the ecological interactions between plants and associated biota and the trophic cascades that take place in agroecosystems is a requirement for sustainable and more climate-resilient food production and food security under changing climatic conditions1 3 Vol.:(0123456789)(Tilman et al 2002; Francis et al 2003; Haddad et al 2011; Altieri et al 2012; Giron et al 2018). In addition to constitutive VOC defence, plant chemical defence can be induced, which usually relates to indirect defence, i.e. the rapid increase in herbivore-induced volatiles, including de novo synthesis of sVOCs such as homoterpenes and SQTs (Arimura et al 2008) that attract predators and parasitoids of herbivores.

Results

Conclusion