Green Leaf Volatiles

November 29, 2023

Recently, for the first time, scientists were able to visualise plants sensing compounds released by other plants in danger.
These are called green leaf volatiles (GLVs).
Mechanical damage or herbivory by fungal or bacterial infection can trigger GLVs release.
Plants have two major defence mechanisms, involving a chain of molecular reactions.
The reactions are triggered when a plant is damaged and GLVs are released as by-products.
By mounting a defence response, plants can make themselves less palatable or even indigestible to the insect attackers.
The molecular cascade is mediated by calcium, a common mediator of chemical and electrical signals found throughout biology.
Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are short chain (six carbon atoms) group of alcohols, acetates, and aldehydes, that can enhance or interrupt the behavioral responses of insects to their pheromones depending on the species and the context in which they are encountered.
Further research can pave the way to protect crops without pesticides.