volatile-signaling
Volatile signaling refers to the communication system through which plants emit and respond to airborne chemical compounds to coordinate biological responses with their environment. This mechanism is essential for plant defense against herbivores and pathogens, attraction of pollinators and beneficial insects, and inter-plant communication. Understanding volatile signaling reveals how plants perceive and respond to ecological threats and opportunities through chemical signals, making it fundamental to plant ecology and evolutionary adaptation.
PubMed · 2026-02-05
Rosemary plants warn neighbors of herbivore attacks via airborne chemicals, triggering defense genes 2 hours before pests arrive.
VOC emission within 30min of damage
Neighbor defense priming 2h pre-contact
Methyl jasmonate as primary signal