Citation
Exploitation of herbivore-induced plant odors by host-seeking parasitic wasps
TL;DR
Plants release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) when attacked
This research demonstrated that plants actively recruit predators of their attackers through chemical signaling - releasing specific volatile compounds when damaged by herbivores that attract parasitoid wasps.
The finding that plants can 'call for help' through chemical signals, and that these signals are specific to the type of herbivore attack, revealed sophisticated plant communication capabilities and established the concept of indirect defense through chemical signaling.
Key Findings from Turlings et al. (1990)
- Plants release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) when attacked
- These volatiles attract parasitoid wasps that attack the herbivores
- Plant signals are specific to herbivore type
- Plants use 'enemy of my enemy' defense strategy through chemical recruitment