Impact of phytochemicals on crop resistance to pests and diseases

5 Impact of phytochemicals on crop resistance to pests and diseases 

The specific function of many phytochemicals is still unclear however, a considerable number of studies have shown that they are involved in the interaction of plants/pests/diseases. Most plants produce phytochemicals as anti-microbial, antibiotic, insecticidal and hormonal agents either as part of 

Based on the tendency for higher levels of phenolics in organically grown plants, these are potentially less susceptible to pests and diseases. Indeed, Schultz and Baldwin (1982) and Rossiter et al., (1986) observed that high phenolic contents reduced the size of female gypsy moth pupae, leading to a decline in reproductive production of female gypsy moths. 

Another field of research is the possibility offered by phytochemicals in protecting plants against diseases and pathogens (fungus, bacteria and nematodes). Numerous studies have suggested that plant-pathogen interactions are partially mediated via plant secondary metabolite production, despite the inconsistency revealed by some works on the ability of particular compounds to provide resistance to a specific pathogen. 

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