Pest behavioural disruption by plant metabolites: a crop protection challenge

Plant secondary (specialized) metabolites play a pivotal role in disrupting pest behaviour, offering a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. These compounds can interfere with insect feeding, oviposition, and host selection, thereby reducing crop damage and pest populations. Recent advances highlight the ecological selectivity and rapid biodegradation of these metabolites, making them attractive for sustainable crop protection. Innovative formulation techniques are enhancing their persistence and efficacy, yet challenges remain in understanding synergistic effects, nontarget impacts, and practical implementation. Harnessing the full potential of plant metabolites for pest behavioural disruption requires integrated research and development, paving the way for their broader adoption in integrated pest management strategies.