Defense Mechanisms of Plants to Insect Pests: From Morphological to Biochemical Approach

Abstract

Plant defense against insect herbivores is just one of multiple layers of interactions. In addition, plants are being utilized as nutrition source and shelter by parasitizing fungi, bacteria and viruses, along with vertebrates such as birds, lizards and mammals, as well as other invertebrates like worms and snails. Together with plants, these players are involved in complex interaction networks. To elucidate these fascinating interactions both biochemical and ecological studies, and combinations thereof, are required.

Keywords:  Insects, Defense mechanisms, Biochemical defense, Secondary metabolites