Plant Defence Detoxification Strategies of Aboveground and Belowground Herbivores in a Multitrophic Context (B07*)

• Subject Area: Organismic Interactions, Chemical Ecology and Microbiomes of Plant Systems
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239748522

Herbivores that feed readily on chemically defended plants may have evolved detoxification strategies, including the use of microbial (gut) symbionts. We aim to identify the major detoxification routes for two types of insect herbivores, aboveground phloem feeders and root-feeding herbivores, feeding readily on Brassicaceae chemically defended with glucosinolates. Using multiple techniques ranging from (meta) genomics to behavioral assays, we will elucidate detoxification mechanisms and assess their effects on herbivore performance and on higher trophic level organisms associated with the herbivore.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1127: Chemical Mediators in Complex Biosystems (ChemBioSys)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Nicole M. van Dam; Professor Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon