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Abstract
Herbivore damage to leaves and other vegetative tissues often stimulates the emission
of volatile compounds, suggesting that these substances have a role in plant defense.
In fact, ample evidence has accumulated in the last few years indicating that volatiles
from vegetative plant parts can directly repel herbivores, such as ovipositing butterflies
and host-seeking aphids. Volatiles have also been demonstrated to protect plants by
attracting herbivore enemies, such as parasitic wasps, predatory arthropods and possibly
even insectivorous birds. Even below ground herbivory results in the release of volatiles
that attract herbivore enemies. However, plant volatiles are also known to attract
enemies of plants. Hence, to determine the true value of these substances in defense,
more research is needed especially in natural communities with non-agricultural species.