Interactive Effects of Drought and Herbivory on Crop Physio-chemical Dynamics

Authors: AYALA, JESSICCA - University Of Arkansas; GAUTAM, MANISH - University Of Arkansas; SHAFI, INSHA - University Of Arkansas; DEBNATH, RAHUL - University Of Arkansas; GANDHAM, KRISHNARAO - North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University; VERMA, KASHISH - University Of Nebraska; George, Justin; LOUIS, JOE - University Of Nebraska; KARIYAT, RUPESH - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: Plant Stress
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/22/2026
Publication Date: 3/31/2026
Citation: Ayala, J., Gautam, M., Shafi, I., Debnath, R., Gandham, K., Verma, K., George, J., Louis, J. and Kariyat, R., 2026. Interactive Effects of Drought and Herbivory on Crop Physio-chemical Dynamics. Plant Stress, p.101352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2026.101352
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2026.101352

Interpretive Summary: Water availability is a paramount factor in maximizing yield in agricultural production. Agricultural crops have higher water demands compared to non-cultivated plants. Agricultural crops are vulnerable to abiotic stress factors, leading to increased drought frequency and subsequent pest problems. However, few studies have carried out a comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions between drought and herbivory (D-H) in crops. This review addresses imperative aspects of D-H interactions in crops including crop physio-chemical status, molecular mechanisms, as well as overall crop productivity. Concurrently, we have discussed the insect herbivore performance and host-herbivore interactions under drought conditions, along with cascading effects on multi-trophic interactions. The effects of D-H interactions on crops and insect herbivores are mostly driven by the severity of drought, and the specificity of the crop and herbivore species involved. However, the cascading effects on natural enemies can be multi-dimensional and cause positive or negative impacts. These interactions are influenced by the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from crop species. VOCs and other physiochemical traits of crops change under drought stress with profound impacts on both host and herbivore performances. This review has leveraged a wide range of literature and presents in-depth insights into these complex D-H interactions in agricultural crops, which are essential for making informed decisions to build more resilient agriculture practices. These findings will help researchers and pest managers towards developing a more efficient and sustainable pest management program. This work supports USDA mission areas and aligns with the Secretary of Agriculture’s priorities by improving farm profitability, protecting crops from invasive pests, and advancing sustainable pest-management practices, ultimately helping farmers make informed decisions that contribute to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Technical Abstract: Agricultural crops are vulnerable to abiotic stress factors, leading to increased drought frequency and subsequent pest outbreaks. However, few studies have carried out a comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions between drought and herbivory (D-H) in crops. This review addresses imperative aspects of D-H interactions in crops including crop physio-chemical status, molecular mechanisms, as well as overall crop productivity. Concurrently, we have discussed the insect herbivore performance and host-herbivore interactions under drought conditions, along with cascading effects on multi-trophic interactions. The effects of D-H interactions on crops and insect herbivores are mostly driven by the severity of drought, and the specificity of the crop and herbivore species involved. However, the cascading effects on natural enemies can be multi-dimensional and cause positive or negative impacts. These interactions are influenced by the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from crop species. VOCs and other physiochemical traits of crops change under drought stress with profound impacts on both host and herbivore performances. This review has leveraged a wide range of literature and presents in-depth insights into these complex D-H interactions in agricultural crops, which are essential for making informed decisions to build more resilient agriculture practices.