2009 Volume 40 Issue 3 Pages 166-176
Green leaf volatiles consist of carbon six (C6) aldehydes, alcohols, and acetates. They can be commonly found in most terrestrial plants. They are important flavor compounds in various kinds of foods, also, it has been reported that GLVs have an anti-stress effect in humans. Recent studies suggest that GLVs are involved in establishing an ecosystem surrounding a plant. C6-aldehydes are reactive compounds, and protect plants from invasion of the other organisms. Insects developed a very sensitive sensory system to perceive GLVs, with which they can get higher benefit for their survival. GLVs are also involved in a tritrophic system to recruit an enemy of the herbivores. Furthermore, even plants are assumed to perceive GLVs emitted from the neighboring plants in order to cope with prospective attack by herbivores or pathogens.
