Research Explores Role that Volatile Organic Compounds Could Play in Plant Protection

A review study by researchers at the Tokyo University of Science, published in Trends in Plant Science, explored potential for adapting plant communication via Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to help protect plants from pests. The scientists say that plants damaged by insect pests release VOCs that trigger neighboring plants to enhance their chemical defenses. Because some plants, like mints, naturally emit these same VOCs, they can help protect neighboring plants when used in companion planting. The researchers also see a role for VOC-based products that could help signal crop plants to have stronger defenses, which could reduce agriculture’s reliance on pesticides and offer savings on input costs.
Related ATTRA publication: Companion Planting & Botanical Pesticides: Concepts & Resources