Induction of plant defenses: the added value of zoophytophagous predators
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Pérez-Hedo, Meritxell; Bouagga, Sarra; Zhang, Nina Xiaoning; Moerkens, Rob; Messelink, Gerben; Jaques, Josep A.; Flors, Victor; Broufas, George; Urbaneja, Alberto; Pappas, Maria L.Date
2022Cita bibliográfica
Pérez-Hedo, M., Bouagga, S., Zhang, N. X., Moerkens, R., Messelink, G., Jaques, J. A. et al. (2022). Induction of plant defenses: the added value of zoophytophagous predators. Journal of Pest Science, Published on-line (13 May 2022), 1-17.Abstract
Several biological control agents of the hemipteran insect families Miridae, Anthocoridae and Pentatomidae, as well as mites
of the family Phytoseiidae are known as zoophytophagous predators, a subset of omnivores, which are primarily predaceous
but also feed on plants. It has been recently demonstrated that zoophytophagous predators are capable of inducing defenses
in plants through their phytophagy. Despite the vast fundamental knowledge on plant defense mechanisms in response to
herbivores, our understanding of defense induction by zoophytophagous predators and applied implications is relatively poor.
In this review, we present the physiological basis of the defense mechanisms that these predators activate in plants. Current
knowledge on zoophytophagous predator-induced plant defenses is summarized by groups and species for the predators of
economic importance. Within each group, feeding habits and the effects of their induced-plant defenses on pests and natural
enemies are detailed. Also, the ecological implications of how the induction of defenses mediated by zoophytophagous
predators can interact with other plant interactors such as beneficial soil microorganisms and plant viruses are addressed.
Based on the above, we propose three approaches to exploit zoophytophagous predator-induced defenses in crop protection
and to guide future research. These include using predators as vaccination agents, employing biotechnological approaches,
as well as applying elicitors to elicit/mimic predator-induced defenses.