Making 'scents' of how plants volatiles influence agriculturally-important insects: a review

Authors: THOMPSON, MORGAN - University Of Maryland; Russavage, Emily; BERNAUER, OLIVIA - University Of Wisconsin

Submitted to: Environmental Entomology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/24/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous chemicals released by plant tissues. In the last several decades, scientists have measured and identified thousands of VOCs from plant roots, shoots, leaves, and flowers. Interestingly, plant VOCs can attract or repel different insects, including herbivores, predators ("natural enemies"), and pollinators. Despite this, we often do not know the extent to which VOCs are multifunctional - that is, how VOCs affect the behavior of different insect groups simultaneously. In this review, we describe what is currently known about VOC-insect interactions. We also propose novel methods for investigating VOC-mediated interactions and how we can better apply VOCs for controlling herbivorous pests and protecting beneficial insects in agriculture.

Technical Abstract: Plants emit hundreds, if not thousands, of volatile chemical compounds, although the function of most individual volatiles remains elusive. Individual volatile compounds, as well as blends of many chemicals, are likely multifunctional and regulate plant interactions with surrounding ecological communities. Plant volatiles can influence different insect functional groups, including herbivores, pollinators, and natural enemies. However, research on these insect groups has historically been siloed, limiting our understanding of connections between different volatile-mediated ecological processes and how to apply this knowledge to agroecosystems. Here, we review what is currently known about how plant volatiles mediate dual interactions among insect herbivores, natural enemies, and pollinators. Ultimately, we propose a shift in future research towards a holistic approach in the study of volatile-mediated interactions between plants and insect communities. By elucidating how specific volatiles, chemical classes, or blends regulate insect behaviors across different functional groups, we will uncover new semiochemical tools for controlling pests and protecting beneficial insects in agroecosystems.