Microbial signaling and pest control in a medicinal plant: insights into insect, fungus, plant interactions

Abstract

Tri-trophic interactions are dynamic relationships between plants, herbivores, and natural enemies and such interactions play important roles in agricultural ecosystems with regard to crop health, such as in the case of Aloe vera crops. A. vera is an agriculturally and medicinally important plant, known for its medicinal value and resilience in arid conditions. Herbivorous pests cause damage to the plant that allows entry of pathogens through infected parts and decreases the commercial and medicinal value of A. vera . However, there is an identified potential endophytic fungi it induces systemic resistance by eliminating pests in A. vera and enhances the plant defensive strategy against further pests and pathogens. Moreover, microbial signaling plays a crucial role in the Tri-trophic interactions via chemical signals enabling communication among plants, pests, and pathogens. Understanding further research into microbial signaling pathways is needed to improve biocontrol methods. The continued progress of biotechnology opens new ways to improve the efficiency of endophytic fungi and A. vera ’s pest resistance. Tri-trophic interactions created within this framework underscore the implications of its usage in pest management under conditions of ecological stress.