Plant metabolites for healthy plants and healthy people

Secondary metabolites are those that do not have a direct function in plant growth and reproduction. Because there are costs associated with the production of all metabolites, it is generally assumed that genes for secondary metabolites are passed on due to the evolutionary advantages they impart to the plant, especially for defence from the elements and from plant pathogens, parasites and herbivores. Cruciferous vegetables are a rich source of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with antioxidant activity and reduced risk of certain forms of cancer. Isothiocyantes such as sulforaphane, are known to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Flavonoids and other phenols have a demonstrated positive eff ect on human health, including anti-carcinogenic properties and cardiovascular benefits. These, and other secondary plant metabolites are used by insect herbivores and their natural enemies for host finding and acceptance. This project focuses on factors that influence plants to increase or decrease production of secondary metabolites that are important for human or plant health. These factors are agroecosystem (soil type, fertilizer and plant species), climatic parameters (temperature, day-length, light quality and light quantity) and insect herbivory. The project will also investigate previously unstudied interactions between secondary plant metabolites and insect herbivore attraction and repellence. The use of secondary metabolites in control of insect pests and the effect of secondary metabolites on natural enemies of insect pests, including fungal pathogens, will also be studied.