ROLE OF SECONDARY METABOLITES IN PLANT DEFENSE

Abstract

Secondary metabolites, which are a characteristic feature of plants, are important and can, protect plants against various microorganisms (Virus, Bacteria, Fungi) and herbivores (Arthropods, Vertebrates). So, host plant resistance to insects, particularly, induced resistance, can also be manipulated with the use of chemical elicitors of secondary metabolites, which confer resistance to insects. Induced resistance could be exploited as an important tool for the pest management to minimize the amounts of insecticides used for pest control.