Plants under attack from herbivorous insects induce an array of defense genes aimed at slowing the growth or development of the aggressor. We study the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and employ a variety of molecular and biochemical approaches to understand the signaling pathways that connect perception of insect-derived cues to downstream defense responses. 

With an estimated agricultural crop loss of 15% to insect herbivores and the banned or restricted usage of many pesticides, knowledge about plant innate immunity upon insect attack is crucial to improve strategies for better crop protection.