Recent advances in chemical ecology: complex interactions mediated by molecules

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2021 Jan 7;85(1):33-41. doi: 10.1093/bbb/zbaa034.

Abstract

Chemical ecology is the highly interdisciplinary study of biochemicals that mediate the behavior of organisms and the regulation of physiological changes that alter intraspecific and/or interspecific interactions. Significant advances are often achieved through the collaboration of chemists and biologists working to understand organismal survival strategies with an eye on the development of targeted technologies for controlling agricultural, forestry, medical, and veterinary pests in a sustainable world. We highlight recent advances in chemical ecology from multiple viewpoints and discuss future prospects for applications.

Keywords: insect-animal interactions; insect-plant interactions; natural products chemistry; pest control; pheromones.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ecology / methods*
  • Humans
  • Insecta / physiology
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena