Plant biology: Young maize leaves 'smell' a volatile danger signal

Insect-attacked maize releases volatile compounds named green leaf volatiles. A new study shows that young maize leaves respond to a green leaf volatile compound with emission of indole and terpenes, while these responses are almost completely absent in mature leaves.

Automated summary

A new study reveals that young maize leaves emit indole and terpenes in response to green leaf volatile compounds, while mature leaves show minimal responses.