Honeydew: A keystone in insect–plant interactions, current insights and future perspectives

Jamin Ali, Arzlan Abbas, Sohail Abbas, Yunliang Ji, Khalid Ali Khan, Hamed A. Ghramh, Mohammad Mahamood, Rizhao Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Honeydew, a sugary excretion produced by sap-feeding insects, plays a pivotal role in shaping intricate interactions between insects and plants. This review explains the multifaceted aspects of honeydew, beginning with an overview of its production mechanisms and factors influencing its variability across insect species and plant hosts. Exploring its composition, we examine the chemical components and nutritional aspects, highlighting variations based on insect species and plant sources. The impact of honeydew on microbial communities is explored, shedding light on its role in influencing the diversity and abundance of microorganisms. Furthermore, the review investigates how honeydew affects pest behaviour and population dynamics, elucidating plant responses to honeydew deposition. In the realm of biocontrol, we examine the intricate relationships between honeydew and natural enemies, considering potential implications for integrated pest management. Beyond these individual components, the paper discusses the broader ecological consequences of honeydew in ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnected relationships between insects, plants and microorganisms. The review concludes by identifying research gaps and suggesting future directions, recognizing the need for further investigation into areas with potential applications for agriculture and ecology. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding of honeydew's significance in insect–plant interactions, offering insights for both researchers and practitioners in the field.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)727-733
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Applied Entomology
Volume148
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • agriculture
  • ecology
  • honeydew
  • insect–plant interactions
  • pest-pathogens
  • plant health and disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Insect Science

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