Influence of Atmospheric and Climate Change on Tree Defence Chemicals

Abstract

Environmental factors associated with atmospheric and climate change can potentially modify the structure and function of the world’s forests. An important indirect effect of environmental variables such as elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), air temperature, ozone (O3), UV radiation, and water-related stress on forests results from the response of tree secondary metabolism. In particular, the concentrations of defence chemicals displayed by trees can change in response to certain climate change factors, and this may influence interactions with herbivores and pathogens, and the broader forest community. An evaluation of the literature relating to climate change effects on tree defence chemicals s..