Plant-mediated effects in insect-pathogen interactions

Jenny S. Cory, Kelli Hoover

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

231 Scopus citations

Abstract

Interactions between insect herbivores and their pathogens can be modulated by host plants. Inter- and intraspecific differences in plant chemistry and structure can alter the susceptibility of insects to infection and the production and environmental persistence of pathogens. Whether plants can manipulate insect pathogens to act as 'bodyguards' and increase their own fitness remains to be shown. Reduced insect performance owing to poor plant quality can enhance the susceptibility of an insect to disease while these same phytochemicals can also reduce the effectiveness of entomopathogens in killing the host. As we discuss here, plants have an important role in the evolution of insect-pathogen relationships and a tritrophic perspective should thus be incorporated into the study of insects and their pathogens.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)278-286
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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