Volicitin

Definition

A fatty acid-amino acid elicitor found in the oral secretions of beet armyworm larvae, inducing plants to produce volatile organic compounds that attract parasitoid wasps.

Etymology

Named after the Latin word 'volitare', meaning 'to fly', reflecting its role in attracting flying insects.

Example

The application of volicitin to corn seedlings induced the release of volatile organic compounds that attracted parasitoid wasps, enhancing their foraging efficiency.

Related Terms

• Elicitors
• Parasitoids
• Herbivores
• Plant Defense

Usage Notes

Volicitin is a potent inducer of plant defense responses and plays a crucial role in the interaction between herbivores and their natural enemies.