Phytochemical variation in treetops: causes and consequences for tree-insect herbivore interactions

The interaction of plants and their herbivorous opponents has shaped the evolution of an intricate network of defences and counter-defences for millions of years. The result is an astounding diversity of phytochemicals and plant strategies to fight and survive. Trees are specifically challenged to resist the plethora of abiotic and biotic stresses due to their dimension and longevity. Here, we review the recent literature on the consequences of phytochemical variation in trees on insect–tree–herbivore interactions. We discuss the importance of genotypic and phenotypic variation in tree defence against insects and suggest some molecular mechanisms that might bring about phytochemical diversity in crowns of individual trees.