Do plant volatiles shape species interactions in agroecological fields?

Introduction

Plants use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to continuously communicate with antagonistic organisms such as herbivore pests, as well as mutualistic organisms like natural enemies of the pests and pollinators. However, our understanding of this communication is limited, primarily based on laboratory experiments involving only pairwise or, at most, three-species interactions. The role of VOCs in mediating multitrophic plant-insect interactions in field conditions remains largely unknown.

Project Overview

In PANOPLY, I will be the first to study how VOCs shape plant-insect interactions on an unprecedented long-term scale, transitioning from the lab to the field. I will focus on the scientifically and economically important perennial system of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and the leafhopper pest Scaphoideus titanus, which is the main insect vector of Flavescence dore (FD), a lethal quarantine disease threatening European grapevines.

Research Methodology

I will test VOCs from aromatic plants, a major group of plants that contain VOCs distinct from other plant species. The research will involve single and mixtures of species of aromatic plants to:

1. Identify VOCs that can affect life history traits such as development, host choices, and reproduction of the grapevine leafhopper.
2. Validate in greenhouse and common garden experiments how VOCs affect insect behavior and survival.
3. Test aromatic plants in analytical field experiments over the long term to understand the role of VOCs in mediating multitrophic plant-insect interactions.

Expected Outcomes

PANOPLY will be the first demonstration of how VOCs shape multitrophic plant-insect interactions in perennial plants, addressing this significant knowledge gap. The project will:

• Reveal the mechanisms of plant-mediated cues and their long-term effects on plant-insect interactions.
• Open new avenues for research in chemical ecology and agroecology.
• Enhance crop health and insect biodiversity by preventing plant disease outbreaks through biological pest control and the use of zero pesticides.