Effect of plant volatiles on moth sex pheromone

In the process of co-evolution of plants and insects, interactions between insect pheromones and plant volatiles have been recognized as a key communication system between species. Such interactions are manifested as effects or influences of the plant volatile on insect physiology and behaviors, which result in pheromone signal substances and behavioral responses to insect sex pheromone. This paper focused on the effect of plant volatiles on moth sex pheromone. The effects of host plant volatiles on the synthesis of moth sex pheromone or precursors, and on the production or release of pheromones were reviewed. The calling behaviors of moth in response to particular plant cues were summarized, and the influence of host plant and non-host plant volatiles on moth responses to sex pheromones was introduced. The possible mechanism about the effect of plant volatiles on the behavioral response of moths to sex pheromone was also discussed in the paper, as well as current research problems and future perspectives.