The Chemistry of Plant-Insect Egg Interactions

Insect eggs deposited on plants constitute a threat that has led to the evolution of sophisticated de-fenses. The interactions between insect eggs and plants are governed by a diverse variety of chemicals that inform butterflies about suitable hosts, repel gravid females, alert plants about the presence of an egg, act as signal molecules to induce defenses, directly impair egg development, and indirectly attract egg parasitoids. In recent years, significant progress has been made on the chemical identification, perception and role of com-pounds associated with oviposition. Knowledge on the genetic basis of oviposition-induced responses is also accumulating. An emerging theme is that insect eggs are not passive structures on leaves but induce complex responses that result from million years of coevolution.

Automated summary

Insect eggs pose a threat to plants, leading to the evolution of complex defense mechanisms. The interactions between insect eggs and plants are regulated by chemical compounds, and the eggs themselves induce complex responses.