Dispersal, animals

Signal compounds to attract pollinating and seed dispersing animals... 

In some instances, additional functions are the attraction of pollinating or seed-dispersing animals, for example, by colored compounds such as betalains (within the Centrospermae), anthocyanins, carotenoids, and flavonoids or by fragrances such as terpenes, amines, and aldehydes 15,17). Physiological roles, such as UV protection [by fiavonoids or cou-marins 4,17)], nitrogen transport or storage 14,36,37), or photosynthesis (carotenoids), may be an additional function. 

Awareness of the dose necessary is, as always, crucial. In Canada an OP insecticide called phosphamidon was used to control insect pests on conifer trees. Initially the use of this pesticide killed many birds as well as the insect pest, but the Canadians found that by reducing the amount of the chemical used they could control the insects without affecting the bird population. Problems have occurred in particular when OPs have been used to treat seeds and, while this reduces dispersion, animals that eat the seeds can then be poisoned. This has caused the deaths of large numbers of birds in some areas. 

Over 20,000 terpenoids have been identihed (1), and more are being discovered continuously. Plant terpenoids are important in both primary and secondary (speciahzed) metabolism. Their importance in primary metabolism includes physiological, metabolic, and stmctural roles such as plant hormones, chloro-plast pigments, roles in electron transport systems, and roles in the posttranslational modihcation of proteins. In secondary metabolism, the roles of plant terpenoids are incredibly diverse but are associated most often with defense and communication of sessile plants interacting with other organisms. Examples include terpenoid chemicals that form physical and chemical barriers, antibiotics, phytoalexins, repellents and antifeedants against insects and other herbivores, toxins, attractants for pollinators or fruit-dispersing animals, host/nonhost selection cues for herbivores, and mediators of plant-plant and mycorrhiza interactions (2, 3). 

Uses Fertilizer animal feed supplement stabilizer for resins, plastics, explosives softener for cellulose in paper industry deodorizer penetrant cure accelerator and activator airport runway deicing agent dispersant (animal glue, proteins) plasticizer for starch adhesives food additive, yeast nutrient, fermentation aid flour treatment agent diuretic, antiseptic in pharmaceuticals antistat, humectant in cosmetics keratin softenerfor dry skin prods. in ammoniated dentifrices in side seam cements for food-contact containers... 

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