Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), known as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) ( Figures 1A, B ), is an insect native to eastern Asia, and is now considered one of the most harmful invasive pests in North America and Europe (Zobel et al., 2016).

Halyomorpha halys consumes plant juices for nutrition feeding on the green parts of the plant, such as leaves and stems, but fruits are typically preferred ( Figure 1C ). The most significant crop damage comes from piercing fruiting structure on pome, stone and other fruit crops as well as seeds in legume pods such as soybeans (Leskey and Nielsen, 2018). The fruits are Highly deformed in cases of severe infestations, and there may be significant financial losses (Zobel et al., 2016). Fruit attacked by H. halys showed also increase in damage by fruit pathogens (Rice et al., 2014; Moore et al., 2019). The economic implications in the agricultural production are considerable, reaching billions of euros in crops worldwide (Rice et al., 2014). From a detailed estimation conducted in Northern Italy, it has emerged that it causes damages in the production of pears, apples, peaches, and kiwis for an estimated economic loss of 740 million euros (Fornasiero et al., 2023). In the eastern USA, the effects on apple and peach orchards reached up to total loss in 2010 (Leskey et al., 2012).

Due to its extreme polyphagia, H. halys has roughly 40 hosts among domesticated plants and much more (around 300) wild hosts (EPPO Global Database, 2023). Halyomorpha halys has one or two generations per year in the USA and Europe, but there have been reports up to 5–6 generations per year in the species’ native range (Lee et al., 2013; Haye et al., 2014; Costi et al., 2017). In its adult stage, the stink bug spends the winter in natural shelters or anthropogenic structures. On the underside of the leaves, in clusters of 20–30 eggs, females lay 50–150 eggs, but they can also lay up to 400 eggs per female. There are five nymphal stages before reaching the adult stage (Lee et al., 2013) ( Figure 1B ). The control of H. halys relies on insecticides (Leskey et al., 2012). Recently, adventive populations of Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), in particular Trissolcus japonicus Ashmead and Trissolcus mitsukurii Ashmead were discovered in America and Europe (Talamas et al., 2019; Abram et al., 2019; Stahl et al., 2019; Sabbatini Peverieri et al., 2018; Scaccini et al., 2020) and may serve as viable antagonists. Other management options for the control of H. halys are staking, trap crops, perimeter reshaping in orchards, push-pull, exclusion nets, and behavioral manipulation. These had the potential to drastically minimize fruit loss (e.g., Blaauw et al., 2015; Candian et al., 2020; Falagiarda et al., 2023; Fornasiero et al., 2023; Carnio et al., 2024).

The use of semiochemicals plays an important role in the management of this pest. The discovery of the pest aggregation pheromone (Khrimian et al., 2014) opened for further pest control strategies. It is solely produced by adult males, and it attracts both adult males, adult females, and nymphs (Weber, 2015). For this reason, the pheromone lures are employed in traps for monitoring, early detection (Vandervoet et al., 2019) and for pest management decision making.

Numerous studies have identified and characterized the volatile compounds emitted by H. halys ( Table 1 ). These volatiles primarily consist of a diverse array of aldehydes, alcohols, esters, terpenes, and sulphur-containing compounds. Some of the most notable compounds include the aldehydes (E)-2-decenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-hexenal, sesquiterpenes and alkanes. The composition and ratios of these volatiles can vary depending on factors such as developmental stage, sex, feeding status, and environmental conditions.

Stink bugs, including H. halys, possess specialized scent glands located on their thorax and abdomen that release volatiles when disturbed or threatened (Kitamura et al., 1984). The emission of volatiles is primarily a passive process, relying on the release of pressure built up within the scent gland reservoir. These defense compounds are shared among many species and (E)-2-decenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-decenyl acetate are reported in not only H. halys (Harris and Webber, 2016; Zhong et al., 2017; Nixon et al., 2018, Nixon et al., 2019, 2021; Karimi and Gross, 2024), but also in a cosmopolitan species, the green stink bug Nezara viridula L (Aldrich et al., 1987).These volatiles were collected from either full insect after immersion in solvent (Zhong et al., 2017) or from headspace by using different adsorption materials: Super-Q (Khrimian et al., 2014; Harris and Webber, 2016; Nixon et al., 2018, 2019, 2021), Tenax (Karimi and Gross, 2024), activated charcoal (Aldrich et al., 1987).

Generally, these (E)-2-aldehydes are reported as defensive compounds inducing avoidance by predators (Noge et al., 2012), and likely connected to the disturbance level the insects are exposed (Nixon et al., 2021). It was showed that they function also as alarm pheromones (Harris and Webber, 2016), acting as warning signal to conspecifics, indicating the presence of threats, and as dispersal signals, causing other stink bugs to disperse quickly, reducing the likelihood of multiple individuals being preyed upon simultaneously (Nixon et al., 2018, 2021). The implication of these VOCs in an intraspecific context is supported by the data reported in Nixon et al. (2021), in which the proportion of samples that released these defensive odors was null in singularly agitated insects, whilst increased proportionally to the number of insects in the group. Khrimian et al (2014) characterized the male-produced aggregation pheromone of H. halys as a 3.5:1 mixture of two stereoisomers, (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol and (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol. According to Harris and Webber (2016), mature males started producing pheromone at a mean age of 13 days. Males who were housed alone produced a mean of 843 ng of pheromone per day, in daily volatile collections in levels that ranged fivefold. Males in groups emitted <10% pheromone per bug per day than lone males due to a strong negative reaction to male density. The pheromone is mainly emitted during the day and it is effective to both adult sexes and nymphs (Weber, 2015).

An array of linear hydrocarbons has been detected in H. halys: undecane, dodecane, tridecane and pentadecane (Kitamura et al., 1984; Baldwin, 2010; Harris and Webber, 2016; Zhong et al., 2017). Among them, tridecane was the most frequently found. Linear hydrocarbons are also reported among the emissions of N. viridula: dodecane, tridecane and nonadecane (Borges et al., 1987). It is unclear whether these volatiles might play a role as bioactive compounds (Weber, 2015). A likely explanation proposed that such hydrocarbons serve as solvents or carriers (Calam and Youdeowei, 1968), as they would facilitate the efficient evaporation of active substances such as aldehydes on the scent gland system in a variety of pentatomid species (Kment and Vilimova, 2010). However, behavioral studies showed that the exposure of adult H. halys to the insect most abundant alkane, tridecane, led to an increased speed (Lockwood and Story 1985, 1987; Nixon et al., 2018), total distance and mean angular velocity (Nixon et al., 2021), and it also significantly reduced the emission of pheromones in adult males (Harris and Webber, 2016). This evidence might reveal a possible biological function of tridecane, but its mechanisms have yet to be understood. As addressed by Weber (2015), the data proposed by Harris and Webber (2016) lack statistical significance and should be considered carefully. On the other hand, the more recent work from Nixon et al. (2021) shows statistically sound evidence of an actual tridecane effect on the stink bugs behavior. It is worth considering however, that tridecane has always been found in all samples of H. halys VOCs studies, despite a more occasional presence of the E-2-aldehydes (Aldrich et al., 1987; Tognon et al., 2017; Harris and Webber, 2016; Zhong et al., 2017; Nixon et al., 2018), opening up a question on the biological relevance of an ubiquitous compound.

Despite the relevance of H. halys on crops worldwide, only one study has so far explored the HIPVs released after infestation. Peterson et al. (2022), analyzed direct and systemic emissions of potted peach (Prunus persica L.) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) plants following insect feeding and oviposition. The VOCs were collected from the headspace of a bag-enclosed branch for 24 hours by using a Hayesep adsorbent (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO) and later eluted in dichloromethane and analyzed in GC-MS. The study showed a species-specific response in the VOCs released. Nerolidol was released at a greater rate by tree of heaven branches that were directly exposed to H. halys oviposition and feeding than by branches exposed to only feeding and control trees. In comparison to plants exposed to oviposition and feeding or control trees, tree of heaven leaves treated to H. halys feeding alone emitted greater rates of (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene. On the other hand, when peaches were subjected to H. halys oviposition, there was a reduction in (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate in both the directly and systemically exposed branches. Other compounds in peach plants varied between treatments: 4’-ethylacetophenone, (E)-β-caryophyllene, 4-hexenyl acetate and benzaldehyde. Similarly in tree of heaven plants, differences appeared between treatments: 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, (E)-β-ocimene, methyl palmitate, sesquirosefuran, alloocimene, cinerone, (E)-farnesene epoxide, linalool, nonanal, p-mentha-1,3,8-triene.

So far, the most unique compounds are the two stereoisomers (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol and (3R,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, identified as the main components of the aggregation pheromone released by adult males. All the other VOCs ( Table 2 ) are generic of stink bugs or other organisms. It is however worth considering the aldehydes (E)-2-decenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-hexenal and the ester (E)-2-decenyl acetate, the unpleasant odors released by stink bugs when disturbed (alarm/defense pheromones). These VOCs, even if very generic, can at least indicate presence of stink bugs. Tridecane, the most frequently compound detected from H. halys and other stink bugs, occurs commonly in the environment as it is largely emitted by biotic and abiotic sources. The candidate VOCs here selected should answer to a specificity requirement, and therefore tridecane, due to its ubiquitous nature, has not been considered. The question on whether plants may respond in a similar way after an insect attack is crucial to increase the number of candidate HIPVs. Induced compounds that would be shared among a considerable number of host plant species following H. halys infestation would be extremely valuable as candidates for detection. However, the scarce literature available does not provide enough confidence to select any HIPVs, and more plant species need to be tested.

The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is native to the Americas (Todd and Poole, 1980) and has been reported to attack a wide range of host plants and causes serious damage to many economical plants (Kenis et al., 2022). Although the larvae ( Figure 1D ) are known to feed on many host plants, they exhibit a preference for grasses and cereal crops like maize ( Figure 1E ), rice, sorghum, and wheat (Sparks, 1979; Pitre and Hogg, 1983). The high invasiveness potential of S. frugiperda is attributed to the exceptional capacity of the adult moths to migrate (Johnson, 1987; Westbrook et al., 2019). Spodoptera frugiperda has invaded all of sub-Saharan Africa after it was first observed in Nigeria in 2016 (Cock et al., 2017; Day et al., 2017) and also made its way from Africa to Asia (Sharanabasappa et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2020). More recently it was found in Oceania (Day et al., 2017; Lamsal et al., 2020) and entered continental Europe in 2024 (https://www.fao.org/fall-armyworm/monitoring-tools/faw-map/en/). It is now one of the biggest threats to food security on multiple continents (FAO, 2020), causing tremendous yield losses, especially in maize (Day et al., 2017; Baudron et al., 2019; Hruska and Gould, 1997; Rwomushana et al., 2018; Wan et al., 2021), threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the food security of over 65 million people in Africa alone (Day et al., 2017; Rwomushana et al., 2018; Babendreier et al., 2020) ( Figure 1E ). According to estimates, it causes in maize up to 73% of global economic losses (Guo et al., 2018). In Africa, S. frugiperda alone results in annual yield losses of 9.4 billion US dollars (Eschen et al., 2021). Between 2017 and 2019, the pest reduced Ethiopia’s grain yield by 0.225 million tons, with an average yearly loss of 36% in maize production (Abro et al., 2021). According to De Groote et al. (2020), the pest results in losses of around one-third of Kenya’s yearly maize crop, or one million tons, with significant regional variations.

As a consequence of the S. frugiperda invasion, the use of pesticides has dramatically increased (Tambo et al., 2020; Yang et al., 2021), potentially causing health problems, harming the environment, and threatening biodiversity. The FAO considers S. frugiperda one of the most important threats to food security in these regions (http://www.fao.org/fall-armyworm/en/). Management of S. frugiperda involves, however, not only chemical insecticides but a wide array of integrated pest management strategies (Kenis et al., 2022). Many pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses), parasitoids (Diptera and Hymenoptera), and predators (Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera) attack it throughout its natural habitat. Of all the natural enemies, egg parasitoids are the simplest to raise in high quantities for augmentative releases, and several studies are testing its viability (Vieira et al., 2017; Firake and Behere, 2020). Experiments on host plant choice have been carried out throughout the pest invasive range, mostly to look at the viability of intercropping and push-pull control techniques (Tay et al., 2023). Biopesticides involving entomopathogenic fungi, baculoviruses, entomopathogenic bacteria and nematodes have also been extensively explored (Kenis et al., 2022).

Research on the chemical ecology of S. frugiperda has focused on two aspects: the pheromone produced by the female moths to attract males, and the caterpillar-induced plant volatiles that attract natural enemies of the caterpillars. The sex pheromone of S. frugiperda is a blend of several volatile acetates, dominated by (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac). A combination of Z9-14:Ac with (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12:Ac) is highly attractive to males in the field (Tumlinson et al., 1986), also to invasive populations in Japan (Wakamura et al., 2021). In a study in China a pheromone lure was optimized by still adding (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac) to the blend that was initially identified. Indeed, the S. frugiperda pheromone blend has been shown to be different for different geographic regions (Batista-Pereira et al., 2006; Groot et al., 2008). Spodoptera. frugiperda was one of the first insects studied in the context of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Maize plants in particular are very responsive to caterpillar attacks and have been shown to emitted large amounts of mainly terpenoids, but also indole in response to such attacks (Tumlinson et al., 1990, Turlings et al., 1993). The emissions of the truly inducible compounds are systemic and not just limited to the damaged site (Turlings and Tumlinson, 1992), enhancing their detectability. The fatty acid-amino acid conjugate volicitin (N-[17-hydroxylinolenoyl]-L glutamine) present in the caterpillar oral secretions was found to be the main elicitor that triggers this response (Alborn et al., 1997; Turlings et al., 2000). Spodoptera frugiperda also emits such volatiles (Turlings et al., 1993), but to a lesser extent, possibly because it is able to somewhat suppress the emissions (De Lange et al., 2020). There is tremendous variation among maize genotypes in the amounts of volatiles that they release upon caterpillar attack (Degen et al., 2004), yet the overall volatile profile shows clear consistencies in their caterpillar-induced emissions (Hoballah et al., 2002; Gouinguené and Turlings, 2002; Gouinguené et al., 2003). Studying the S. frugiperda-maize model is therefore has not only a great economic importance, but also an ideal model to demonstrate the potential of odor-based detection technologies (Turlings and Erb, 2018; Turlings and Degen, 2022).

The literature on volatiles directly emitted by S. frugiperda is limited to publications on the identification of the sex pheromone blend emitted by female moths. The first identification was done by extracting the pheromone directly from the female moth glands (Sekul and Sparks, 1967), which composition is different from the pheromone released by the moths (Tumlinson et al., 1986). The female moths were found to release (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12:Ac), dodecanyl acetate (12:Ac), 11-dodecenyl acetate (11-12:Ac), (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac), and (Z)-11-hexadecen-yl acetate (Z11-16:Ac). To the best of our knowledge, this latter publication is the only one that used the dynamic headspace technique to collect and identify the sex pheromone of Spodoptera, including S. frugiperda. The composition of the sexual pheromone of two closely related species, S. exigua and S. frugiperda, can be distinguished by the exclusive presence of the 12:Ac, Z7-12:Ac and 11-12:Ac in the S. frugiperda sex pheromone blend. Tests on the biological function of Z7-12:Ac have shown that it is the main compound responsible for the attraction of males (Tumlinson et al., 1986; Andrade et al., 2000; Cruz-Esteban et al., 2018). Their concentration is not very accurate, and composition and ratios of volatiles can vary depending on factors such as developmental stage, sex, feeding status, and environmental conditions. In subsequent studies it was shown that Z9-14:Ac and Z7-12:Ac are universal pheromone components of S. frugiperda, but other compounds, such as Z9-12:Ac, Z11-16:Ac and E7-12:Ac were also found to be released in different geographic populations (Tumlinson et al., 1986; Descoins et al., 1988; Fleischer et al., 2005; Batista-Pereira et al., 2006; Groot et al., 2008; Lima and McNeil, 2009; Jiang et al., 2022). In addition to the pheromone work, considerable information is available on plant volatiles induced by the caterpillars of S. frugiperda and other Spodoptera species have been extensively studied (Turlings and Erb, 2018; Turlings and Degen, 2022). In Table 3 we list the most relevant papers on inducible volatiles emitted by maize plants. It is important to note that different varieties of maize were used in different studies and they were also conducted under varying conditions ranging for the laboratory to the field. It can be concluded that different induction techniques and Spodoptera species induce similar volatile profiles. S. frugiperda does not appear to differ from other species in the volatile profile that they induce in maize plants, but there are quantitative differences, resulting in differences in ratios among VOCs that may facilitate the detection of specific pest species. For maize plants attacked by S. frugiperda and other Spodoptera species about 25 different volatiles have been reported. These include a diverse array of green leaf volatiles (GLV’s), monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds. Some of the most notable compounds include (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool, indole, (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), (3E, 7E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT) and (E)-β-farnesene. The release of the GLVs is induced within seconds, whereas the others are released after 4 to 6 hours after S. frugiperda attack (terpenoids and indole) small maize plants typically release these compounds at rates of 50-200 ng per hour.

There are three compounds that adult females of S. frugiperda emit (dodecanyl acetate; (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-dodecenyl acetate) and are found only in this species compared to other species of Spodoptera. They have biological relevance for male attraction in the field. Plant-produced VOCs induced by S. frugiperda caterpillars are released in considerably larger amounts and easier to detect. As mentioned in the previous section, there are no unique compounds emitted by maize plants under S. frugiperda attack in comparison to attacks by other Spodoptera species, but ratios differences can be used to determine which species is attacking a plant. The most relevant compounds that are consistently emitted and have an ecological relevance are (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool, indole, (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), (3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT) and (E)-β-farnesene ( Table 4 ).

The Cotton Bollworm (CBW) Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) ( Figures 1F, G ) is considered as one of the major pests in tropical and warm-temperate regions worldwide (Jones et al., 2019). Global economic losses caused by this species are estimated at over 3 billion US dollars per year (Haile et al., 2021; Riaz et al., 2021). Helicoverpa armigera is widely distributed throughout Asia, Oceania, Africa, and southern Europe, and has recently invaded South America (Tay et al., 2013; Jones et al., 2019).

Helicoverpa armigera is a highly polyphagous pest infesting more than 200 host plant species of diverse plant families. Many crops of high economic importance are included in its host range, such as cotton, maize, tomato ( Figure 1H ), sunflower ( Figure 1G ), soybean, and several legumes (Cunningham et al., 1999; Cunningham and Zalucki, 2014). The adults of H. armigera are excellent flyers and can migrate over long distances up to 2000 km (Behere et al., 2013; Jones et al., 2015). The species has a high fecundity and rapid reproduction rates, resulting in average in 4-6 generations per year and up to 10-11 generations per year in tropical regions (Riaz et al., 2021). The larvae are highly destructive plant feeders and very polyphagous, not only regarding plant species but also concerning plant parts ( Figures 1F–H ). The species has the ability to adapt its diapause depending on environmental conditions, in order to optimize survival. All these characteristics in their biology – its polyphagy, high mobility and reproduction rates and its facultative diapause - make H. armigera a serious pest, quickly invading new areas.

A blind trust of synthetic pesticides as main control measure for H. armigera has led to resistance development to all major classes of synthetic insecticides across many regions of the world (Downes et al., 2016; Jones et al., 2019; Riaz et al., 2021). As an alternative pest control measure have genetically modified crops, such as Bt (with a toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton, shown a good control effect of H. armigera over a period. But, as for synthetic pesticides, resistant populations have developed also for Bt crops, making well deliberated resistance management strategies necessary (Jin et al., 2015; Downes et al., 2016; Tabashnik and Carrière, 2017). Today, IPM strategies based on forecast, monitoring and decision support systems combined with biological, chemical, and physical control measures must be developed and used for successful control of H. armigera (Downes et al., 2016; Jones et al., 2019; Riaz et al., 2021).

We focus here on studies on H. armigera-related VOCs, which have shown that the pest itself (4.2) or plants infested by H. armigera (4.3) can release herbivore-specific signals which can be measured by chemical analyzes and behavioral and/or electrophysiological bioassays. The huge number of studies regarding other issues of the chemical ecology of H. armigera are not included here.

Research on H. armigera VOCs has started in the 1970s with the identification of sex pheromones in H. armigera, namely (Z)-9-hexadecenal, (Z)-11-hexedecenal, hexadecanol, (Z)-11-hexadecenol and (Z)-9-tetradecenal (Piccardi et al., 1977; Nesbitt et al., 1980; Wu et al., 1997; Zhang et al., 2012). We want to highlight here for our purpose the most promising pheromones, the oviposition marking pheromones (OMPs) or oviposition deterring pheromones (ODPs) ( Table 5 ). ODPs have been identified for H. armigera around the turn of the millennium (Guoqing et al., 2001; Xu et al., 2006; Liu et al., 2008). ODPs are deposited by many parasitic and phytophagous insects associated with egg-laying, aiming for modification of the oviposition behavior of conspecifics such that subsequent eggs are not deposited into an already utilized resource. After behavioral observations on H. armigera have indicated the existence of oviposition-deterrent compounds, the three compounds 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid) and (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) have been identified from the tarsi of female H. armigera as oviposition-deterrent compounds (Guoqing et al., 2001). In further studies on ODPs in larval frass of H. armigera, a blend of fatty acid and corresponding methyl esters was found in the larval frass. Some compounds were found independent of the diet of the larvae, while others seem to be dependent on the food source. All compounds elicited responses in H. armigera moth antennae using electroantennography (EAG) analyzes (Xu et al., 2006). Moreover, it was found that laid eggs resulted in similar EAG responses. Compounds identified from the laid eggs were the 4-oviposition deterring fatty acids myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acid and their corresponding methyl esters (Liu et al., 2008).

Another important type of H. armigera related VOCs is herbivore induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) ( Table 5 ). The HIPVs emission of tobacco plants induced by larvae feeding of the sibling species H. armigera and H. assulata were studied, and the corresponding behavioral response (wind tunnel bioassay) of a main parasitoid of both species, Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), towards the different HIPV blends were recorded. GC/MS analyzes showed that β-pinene was specifically measured after feeding of H. armigera larvae, whereas (Z)-3-hexenal was particularly measured after infestation of both species, and hexyl acetate by mechanical damage (Yan et al., 2005). In another study, the HIPVs emission of maize plants induced by feeding of larvae of H.armigera and Pseudaletia separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and the behavioral response of C. chlorideae in a wind tunnel were investigated. After infestation of H. armigera particularly the four terpenoids β-pinene, β-myrcene, D-limonene, and (E)-nerolidol were measured. All these compounds were not measured after attack of P. separata or mechanical damage (Yan and Wang, 2006). Also the volatile characteristics of cotton plants after larvae infestation of H. armigera have been investigated. GC/MS analyzes showed that several green leaf volatiles and terpenoids were measured after H. armigera infestation of cotton plants, whereas other compounds were found in both, infested and non-infested plants (Huang et al., 2015). Further studies compared by chemical analyzes the HIPV emission of tomato, French bean, and maize plants after infestation of H. armigera larvae, and by Y-tube olfactometer bioassays the behavioral response of the predator Orius strigicollis Poppius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). In all three plant species, a higher number and larger amounts of VOCs were found on H. armigera infested plants than undamaged or mechanically damaged plants (Gebreziher and Nakamuta, 2016). In some of these studies the odor profile of H. armigera infested plants have been compared with mechanical damaged plants, as both types of damage, biotic and abiotic, are stresses for the plants and induce specific VOC emission. However, to our knowledge no study compares the volatile profiles from H. armigera-infested plants with those of plants stressed by other abiotic factors such as water logging, drought, darkness, or extreme temperatures, or even volatile profiles of plants stressed by both, H. armigera infestation and abiotic factors, at the same time.

As ODPs are species-specific VOCs, detectable also in absence of the adult pest insect and identified for H. armigera, these compounds might be potential candidates for detection of H. armigera. In all three studies, we found the specific fatty acids myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acid and their corresponding methyl esters have been identified as ODPs of H. armigera (Guoqing et al., 2001; Xu et al., 2006; Liu et al., 2008). Particularly, palmitic and oleic acid have been extracted from female moths (tarsi), larval frass and laid eggs of H. armigera, which might render them as robust and reliable candidates for detection purpose ( Table 6 ).

With a view to detecting an herbivore-specific volatile blend measured from plants in response to H. armigera larvae feeding, we compared the volatile profiles from H. armigera infested plants with those from non-infested plants of different plant species found in literature. Compounds reported to be measured after H. armigera larval infestation of different plant species, but not or in very small amounts only from non-infested, mechanically damaged or plants infested of another pest species, might be possible candidates for detection of H. armigera. The terpenoids β-pinene, β-myrcene, D-limonene, and (E)-nerolidol were found to be species-specific for H. armigera larval infestation of maize plants (Yan and Wang, 2006) ( Table 6 ). The compound β-myrcene was found in maize and cotton particularly after H. armigera larval infestation (Yan and Wang, 2006; Huang et al., 2015). D-limonene was species-specific measured after H. armigera larval infestation on maize, French bean and tomato (Gebreziher and Nakamuta, 2016; Yan and Wang, 2006). A compound noticed in four different studies as species-specific volatile measured from a plant in response to H. armigera larvae feeding on maize, cotton, tobacco, and tomato is β-pinene (Huang et al., 2015; Yan and Wang, 2006; Yan et al., 2005; Gebreziher and Nakamuta, 2016).

The Pinewood Nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer 1934) (Rhabditida: Aphelenchoididae), is a migratory plant parasitic nematode ( Figure 1I ) responsible for pine wilt disease (PWD), a serious forest disease that has devastated vast pine stands in Asia and Europe ( Figures 1K, L ) causing substantial ecological, economic, and cultural impacts (Back et al., 2024). Originally from North America, where the incidence of B. xylophilus is very low due to a co-evolution between the nematode and native pine species (Sutherland, 2008), the nematode was first noted in Japan in the early 20th century Futai, 2008. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus spread to Taiwan, China (in 1982), and Korea (in 1988), and was detected in Portugal, within the European Union, in 1999 (Mota et al., 1999). By 2008, mainland Portugal was declared a quarantine zone, and wood export restrictions extended nationwide (Rodrigues, 2008). Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was found in Madeira Island in 2010 (Fonseca et al., 2012) and in Spain in 2011 (Abelleira et al., 2011), even attacking different species of Pinus trees (Inácio et al., 2015; Zamora et al., 2015).

The European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) classifies B. xylophilus as an A2 type quarantine pest in the EU, given its extreme pathogenicity and the abundance of susceptible pines in Europe (e.g., Pinus pinaster, P. sylvestris L., and P. nigra Arnold) (EPPO, 2023). Although currently limited to Portugal and Spain, future climate conditions in northern Europe might create a highly susceptible environment for B. xylophilus, threatening northern pine forests (Hirata et al., 2017; De la Fuente et al., 2018).

The infection mechanism of PWD involves the host pine tree, an insect vector (mainly Monochamus sp. beetles) ( Figure 1J ), B. xylophilus, and associated microbiota (Zhao et al., 2014; Vicente et al., 2012). During beetle maturation feeding, B. xylophilus enters healthy pines through beetle wounds, causing severe damage by invading resin canals, attacking epithelial cells, and disrupting water and mineral transport (Mamiya, 1983). This leads to pine wilting within three weeks, resulting in tree collapse within 40 to 60 days post-infection, with millions of nematodes infecting the trunk and branches (Kuroda, 2008) ( Figures 1K, L ). The decaying pine becomes attractive to the adult Monochamus beetles and, consequently, a source for new infections spread by the insect-vector (Jones et al., 2008; Futai, 2013).

Control strategies for PWD include breeding resistant pine species (Nose and Shiraishi, 2008; Carrasquinho et al., 2018; Menéndez-Gutiérrez et al., 2018) eradicating infected trees, treating wood (Kamata, 2008; Rodrigues, 2008; Xu, 2008) and controlling beetle populations. Infected wood can be treated chemically or thermally before its use for exportation or industrial purposes. Chemical insecticides prevent beetle spread, though they may harm beneficial organisms and accumulate in ecosystems (Kamata, 2008; Bi et al., 2015). Alternative controls include pheromone traps for controlling the spread of insect-vector populations and biological control using beetle predators or parasites (Nakamura, 2008; Shimazu, 2008; Kim et al., 2016). Trunk injection of nematicides is also effective, despite the toxicity risks associated with chemicals (Kamata, 2008). Integrated management strategies combining various methods are crucial for effective B. xylophilus containment.

Literature on the volatiles emitted by B. xylophilus -infected plant material is very scarce and only six volatiles were reportedly influenced by B. xylophilus infection, in field and greenhouse grown infected pines ( Table 7 ). Although no induced volatiles were reported, some constitutive pine compounds were reportedly emitted in greater proportions by the affected trees. In a study using 30-year-old Pinus thunbergii Parlatore trees, the proportions of sativene, carvacrol methyl ether and camphor were seen to increase, however the number of samples was low (7 infected individuals) and this response was detected on a single tree alone (Takeuchi et al., 2006). For volatiles capture, TENAX-TA absorbent filled glass tubes were used to sample 6 L of air surrounding the stem (ca. 2h at 50 mL/min). In a different study using 2-year-old P. thunbergii seedlings, slightly higher proportions of borneol were signaled as a result of B. xylophilus inoculation in a susceptible variety (Wang et al., 2022). However, sampling was performed using SPME (65 µm PDMS/DVB) adapted to a headspace vial with 1 cm sections of 500 mg pine needles, for 30 min. For P. densiflora Siebold & Zuccarini and P. koraiensis Siebold & Zuccarini 5-year-old trees, the emission of the monoterpene hydrocarbon 3-carene was 9.7 and 54.7 times higher than in control trees, when analyzed by HS-SPME/GC-MS, by using plastic wrapped plants and analyzing with DVB/CAR/PDMS fibers (df 50/30 µm) for 1 h, at room temperature (Hwang et al., 2021). For P. pinaster, limonene emission was seen to increase in B. xylophilus -infected trees, however, this was only detected for two out of four tested trees (Gaspar et al., 2020). Sampling was performed with 1.0 g of sample/100 mL of air, using a 65 µm PDMS/DVB coated fiber with 5 min exposure time at 35°C.

The available literature lacks an acceptable sample size or repeatability in results as well as variability in the conditions of sampling to conclude on suitable VOC candidates for detection of B. xylophilus.

The oomycete genus Phytophthora de Bary 1876 (Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae) currently includes eight obligate biotrophic unculturable species and ca 260 hemibiotrophic or necrotrophic culturable species and is widely distributed on all continents except Antarctica. Approximately half of the known species have been spread from their native areas to other continents where they became invasive causing severe diseases on non-coevolved host plants in horticultural, forest and natural ecosystems (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Yang et al., 2017; Jung et al., 2018a, Jung et al., 2022, Jung et al., 2024; Brasier et al., 2022; Chen et al., 2022; Abad et al., 2023). Since the 1960s, the global number of epidemic diseases of forests and natural ecosystems caused by invasive Phytophthora species has increased exponentially from 5 to currently 41 (Brasier et al., 2022).

All Phytophthora species produce sporangia ( Figures 2A, B ) which usually release biflagellate zoospores ( Figure 2B ) or germinate directly. Aerial Phytophthora species spread during periods of high humidity with caducous sporangia ( Figure 2B ) via rain splash, fog and wind whereas soilborne Phytophthoras spread during wet periods via zoospores in soil and surface water (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Chen et al., 2022). Many Phytophthora species form chlamydospores as vegetative survival structures ( Figure 2C ). Most Phytophthora species are characterized by the production of sexually derived enduring oospores ( Figure 2D ) (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Chen et al., 2022; Jung et al., 2022, Jung et al., 2024).

Generally, the management of Phytophthora diseases includes a wide range of measures including the prevention of pathogen introduction by using non-infested nursery stock, substrates and irrigation water, disinfesting of tools, cleaning of vehicles and boots from adhering soil particles, and phytosanitary controls using both visual inspections and high-throughput molecular detection tests; best-practice management in nurseries; avoiding of soil compaction and building of drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and flooding; application of potassium phosphite to stimulate defense reactions of roots (horticulture and forestry); fungicide applications (horticulture and agriculture); eradication via host removal and destruction; use of nanoparticle technologies; resistance screening programs and the use of resistant host genotypes or rootstocks (horticulture, agriculture and forestry); use of effectors and NLR resistance genes; and the development and use of general models to predict regions that might be most susceptible to epidemics by certain Phytophthora species (e.g. P. cinnamomi Rands, P. ramorum Werres, De Cock & Man in’ t Veld) or regional models to predict periods with environmental conditions conducive to disease development (e.g. P. infestans (Mont.) de Bary) (Harris, 1991; Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Colquhoun and Hardy, 2000; Hardy, 2001; Meentemeyer et al., 2004; Rizzo et al., 2005; Robin et al., 2006; Henderson et al., 2007; Stukely et al., 2007; Frankel, 2008; Garbelotto et al., 2009; Brasier and Webber, 2010; Filipe et al., 2012; Pérez-Sierra and Jung, 2013; Crane and Shearer, 2014; Santos et al., 2017; Peterson et al., 2015; Jung et al., 2016, Jung et al., 2018a; O’Hanlon et al., 2016, O’Hanlon et al., 2018; Lu et al., 2019; Sniezko et al., 2019; González et al., 2020; Solla et al., 2021; Santos et al., 2022; Brandano et al., 2023; Martínez et al., 2023).

Phytophthora ramorum ( Figure 2B ), an airborne pathogen, originates from the Laurisilva forests of East Asia (Jung et al., 2020, Jung et al., 2021). Since the early 1990s, each two lineages have been introduced to Europe (EU1 and EU2) and the Pacific Northwest (NA1 and NA2) where they became highly invasive causing leaf and shoot blights and bark cankers on a wide range of more than 100 host species, including Rhododendron ( Figure 2E ), Camelia and Viburnum spp., and the devastating epidemics “Sudden Oak Death” (California and Oregon) and “Sudden Larch Death” (UK and Republic of Ireland) which killed millions of oak, tanoak and larch trees (Werres et al., 2001; Rizzo et al., 2002; Brasier and Webber, 2010; Grünwald et al., 2012; Van Poucke et al., 2012; Harris and Webber, 2016; Jung et al., 2018a; Cobb et al., 2020). In the EU, all P. ramorum lineages not yet introduced (= all lineages except of EU1) are listed as A1 quarantine pests.

The panglobal soilborne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi ( Figures 2C, D ) is the most notorious and invasive member of the genus infecting and causing root rot, bark cankers ( Figure 2G ), dieback and mortality ( Figure 2J ) of more than 5000 woody plant species worldwide (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Hardham and Blackman, 2018). A recent population genomic study showed that P. cinnamomi originates in Southeast Asia and that the global pandemic is driven by two clonal A2 mating type lineages (Shakya et al., 2021). Besides being a major pathogen of many horticultural crops and ornamentals, P. cinnamomi causes some of the most devastating epidemics of forest trees and natural ecosystems including decline and dieback of eucalypt forests across Australia; fynbos heathlands in South Africa; Valdivian rainforests and Araucaria forests in Chile; oak and chestnut forests in Southern Europe ( Figures 2G, J ) and the USA (Von Broembsen and Kruger, 1985; Shearer and Tippett, 1989; Brasier et al., 1993; Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Shearer et al., 2004; Vettraino et al., 2005; Dos Santos et al., 2011; Jung et al., 2016, Jung et al., 2018a, Jung et al., 2018b; McConnell and Balci, 2014; Sanfuentes et al., 2022).

Phytophthora cactorum (Leb. and Cohn) Schroeter is native to North America and has reached a panglobal distribution (Bourret et al., 2022). It causes both air- and soilborne diseases on a wide range of host plants including many ornamentals; forest trees like Fagus sylvatica L. (damping-off, root and collar rot, aerial bleeding cankers) and Betula pendula Roth (root and collar rot); horticultural crops like strawberries (collar rot and leather rot of fruits); and fruit trees, in particular apple trees (root, collar rot and fruit rot) (Harris, 1991; Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Jung et al., 2016, Jung et al., 2018a, Jung et al., 2019; Hantula et al., 2000; Jung, 2009; Corcobado et al., 2020).

Phytophthora plurivora Jung & Burgess originates from East Asia (Vettraino et al., 2011; Huai et al., 2013; Jung et al., 2017a, Jung et al., 2024). It is a soilborne introduced pathogen in both Europe and North America causing root and collar rot, aerial bleeding bark cankers ( Figures 2F, I ), and leaf and shoot blight on a wide range of woody host plants in natural ecosystems, nurseries and planting sites across; it is also one of the main drivers of current oak and beech declines across Europe (Jung, 2009; Jung and Burgess, 2009; Orlikowski et al., 2011; Reeser et al., 2011; Hansen et al., 2012; Jung et al., 2016, Jung et al., 2018a, Jung et al., 2019; Bienapfl and Balci, 2014; Brazee et al., 2016; Corcobado et al., 2020; Frankel et al., 2020).

Phytophthora ×cambivora (Petri) Buisman ( Figure 2A ) is a soilborne pathogen with a cosmopolitan distribution which originates from East Asia (Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Jung et al., 2017b; Mullett et al., 2023). It causes root ( Figures 2H, I ) and collar rot and infrequently aerial bleeding bark cankers on a wide range of woody host plants including many ornamentals, fruit trees and forest trees, and is one of the main drivers of the devastating Ink disease of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) in Europe and oak and beech declines across Europe (Mircetich and Matheron, 1976; Erwin and Ribeiro, 1996; Jung et al., 2000, Jung et al., 2018a, Jung et al., 2019; Vettraino et al., 2005; Jung, 2009; Corcobado et al., 2020).

In this summary we focus on studies with Phytophthora-infection related VOCs from different Phytophthora-inoculated substrates i.e., chemical analyzes of VOCs directly from the pathogens or from the plants infected by Phytophthora species. A limited number of studies have identified and described VOCs emitted from substrates infected with Phytophthora species (and other oomycetes). For this work we included 12 studies, but only two studies are focused on or include VOCs from quarantine pathogen P. ramorum, the target pathogen in this review.

McCartney et al. (2018), used headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and SPME combined with GC-MS to find specific VOCs and VOC profiles from P. ramorum-infected Rhododendron hybrid ‘Cunningham’s White’ plants. This is currently the only published study that investigates VOCs from P. ramorum-infected plants. For the HSSE method (in situ branch enclosure technique), 79 VOCs were detected. Three compounds were statistically different for P. ramorum-inoculated Rhododendron plants vs controls: linalool, (Z)-4-hexenol and (Z)-3-hexenyl pentanoate. For the SBSE liquid extraction method (leaf volatiles from a methanol extract), 115 VOCs were detected, and 31 compounds were statistically different for the inoculated Rhododendron plants (see Table 8 ). One compound, (Z)-3-hexenyl pentanoate, was produced in higher abundances in healthy plants (control) for both HSSE and SBSE. The SPME method (water runoff from the soil of potted healthy and inoculated plants), four compounds were only present in runoff water from soil infested with P. ramorum: (Z)-11-hexadecenoic acid, (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, cyclic octaatomic sulfur, oleic acid. These identified fatty acids have boiling points higher than 350°C and can be difficult to detect in ambient air except under specific experimental conditions. Loulier et al (2020), utilized SPME/GC-MS to investigate VOCs from cultures in potato dextrose agar (PDA) of P. ramorum, P. plurivora, P. cinnamomi, P. cactorum and a range of fungi. It was found that ethanol was shared between P. ramorum and P. cinnamomi (see Table 8 ). Other VOCs detected (but also present in various species of fungi) were 3-octanone, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-methylbutanol and isoamyl alcohol from P. ramorum. P. ramorum also emitted 2-phenylethanol. Loulier et al. (2020) further found that P. ramorum emitted higher amounts of compounds compared to the other Phytophthora species, and this was also confirmed in an analysis using an e-nose instrument developed in the same study. The e-nose could discriminate between VOCs emitted by P. ramorum, Fusarium poae (Peck) Wollenweber, Trichoderma asperellum Samuels, Lieckfeldt & Nirenberg and Rhizoctonia solani (Prillieux & Delacroix) Donk. Interestingly, P. plurivora emitted two monoterpenes α-pinene and 3-carene. Furthermore, Loulier et al. (2020) found that a major difference between the Phytophthora species and the fungi could be the amount of sesquiterpene produced, where the Phytophthora tested does not release these compounds/VOCs, but all tested fungal species did (except one). A recent study by Sherwood et al. (2024) used SPME/GC-MS to analyze the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by eight Phytophthora species cultivated on medium: P. cambivora, P. cinnamomi, P. citricola, P. gonapodyides, P. multivora, P. plurivora, P. polonica, and P. syringae. A total of 58 compounds were identified. However, identification from mass spectral libraries was not possible for some compounds, and these were excluded from Table 8 . Surprisingly, there was very little overlap with the VOCs identified in the Loulier et al. (2020), sharing only three VOCs: 1-octen-3-ol, heptanol, and 4-ethyl guaiacol. Additionally, the sesquiterpene aristolochene was identified in P. cinnamomi, which contradicts Loulier et al. (2020)’s results. Some Phytophthora species may lack some genes for terpene biosynthesis (Chen et al., 2016), limiting their ability to produce a diverse range of terpenes compared to fungal organisms.

Qiu et al., 2014a; Qiu et al., 2014b optimized and used SPME to find specific VOCs from Phytophthora cinnamomi. After inoculation of different substrates [V8A, PDA, lupin seedlings (Lupinus angustifolius L. ‘Danja’), soil, and soil + lupin seedlings] with P. cinnamomi, this study identified 87 VOCs from infected and non-infected substrate. Four of these, 4-ethyl guaiacol (4-ethyl-2-methoxy phenol), 4-ethylphenol, butyrolactone, and phenylethanol, were significant and specific for P. cinnamomi-infections. This study shows that it is possible to detect differences between inoculated and non-inoculated plants and substrates. Borowik et al. (2021a) used SPME and found specific VOCs for P. plurivora and Pythium intermedium (de Bary) Uzuhashi, Tojo & Kakishima from in vitro infected germinated acorns of Quercus robur L. In total, four VOCs were detected on the inoculated acorns, which were not found in the control acorns. Three of them, neophytadiene isomer 2, neophytadiene isomer 3 and isoamyl alcohol were significant and specific for acorns infected with P. plurivora, whereas methylcarveol were specific for Pythium intermedium-infected acorns. Furthermore, Borowik et al. (2021b) also developed a low-cost electronic nose that applies six non-specific Figaro Inc. metal oxide sensors. A machine learning approach with this system was able to distinguish between P. plurivora and Pythium intermedium grown on Petri dishes with V8-Agar media (Borowik et al., 2021b) and using in vitro infected germinated acorns of Q. robur (Borowik et al., 2021a). Durkovic et al. (2021) used HS/GC-MS to analyze emissions from field-grown hybrid poplar infected with P. cactorum and P. plurivora. Their findings showed that the emissions of both sesquiterpenes, α-cubebene and germacrene D, were induced solely by the Phytophthora inoculations (both species).

De Lacy Costello et al. (2001) used improvised thermal desorption system (sorbent Tenax TA, Tenax GR and Carbosieve III) for P. infestans- and Fusarium coeruleum Libert ex Saccardo inoculated potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Maris Piper). The four most abundant and significant VOCs were common for both pathogens, but not present in the control: benzothiazole, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)propyl isobutyrate and propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl ester (see Table 8 ). Laothawornkitkul et al. (2010) detected three VOCs specific for P. infestans-infected potato leaves: 5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone, (E)-2-hexenal, and phenylethanol (VOCs were trapped on volatile traps (Tenax sorbent) and then eluted with a solvent). Even though both studies on potato used similar technology the experimental conditions, potato growth stage and variety differed could explain the difference in the VOCs emitted from P. infestans-infected potato. Li et al. (2019), developed a smartphone-based VOC fingerprinting platform that could detect P. infestans in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) both in vitro and in vivo. They suggest that (E)-2-hexenal is a major diagnostic VOC marker for P. infestans infection, which aligns with the findings of an earlier study by Laothawornkitkul et al. (2010). However, Xu et al. (2021) later demonstrated that (E)-2-hexenal is involved in Botrytis cinerea infection in tomato plants.

Jeleń et al., 2005 used SPME/GC-MS to find specific VOCs for P. cactorum-infected strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier). Of 160 VOCs, 17 compounds were specific for inoculated strawberries and were absent in non-inoculated strawberries. Of these VOCs, two were found to be causing the characteristic off-odor from P. cactorum-infected strawberries (using gas chromatography–olfactometry): 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethyl guaiacol.

Each of these studies found different VOCs and different VOC profiles obtained from the different Phytophthora species-infected substrates, indicating there are Phytophthora species-specific VOCs and VOC profiles. Hence, enabling the development of e-noses for aiding detection of these pathogens, especially those of quarantine status and high destructive potential. However, of the above referenced papers, only twelve species of oomycetes (P. cactorum, P. cinnamomi, P. infestans, P. ramorum, P. plurivora, P. cambivora, P. citricola, P. gonapodyides, P. multivora, P. polonica, P. syringae and Pythium intermedium) have been investigated so far and they have utilized several different infected substrates and various methods to collect VOCs from the pathogens themselves or the infected plants. The VOC information for Phytophthora is very scarce compared to other pests such as the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, the brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys or the cotton Boll worm Helicoverpa armigera. It is not yet possible for any Phytophthora species to find a VOC profile that is robustly produced in connection with the target organisms i.e., VOCs that are not only produced in one infected plant variety or under one certain temperature/light regime. Three VOCs were consistently identified in at least three independent studies of Phytophthora: 1-octen-3-ol, 4-ethylguaiacol, and phenylethanol (see Table 8 ). However, a limitation of these potential biomarkers is that they are also produced by several other organism.

Finding suitable VOCs for the early detection of Phytophthora in woody plants is challenging. The genus Phytophthora often lacks genes necessary for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites which are commonly used for fungal detection. This could be potentially utilized. Research by Loulier et al. (2020) using electronic noses (E-noses) demonstrates that the detection of specific terpenes can potentially distinguish between fungal infections and Phytophthora infections. Another challenge is that a significant portion of the pathogen resides within the roots, unlike infections caused by organisms like P. infestans. For the latter, a simpler device for VOC collection was successfully developed (Li et al., 2019). To capture sufficient VOCs for future analysis from this root-dwelling pathogen, a more sensitive method of collection and analysis, such as TD-GC-MS, is recommended.

Since only two studies included VOCs from P. ramorum, either P. ramorum-infected plants (McCartney et al., 2018) or from the pathogen in culture (Loulier et al., 2020), it is not possible to select any robust candidate VOCs for this pathogen. Therefore, all current VOCs that do not appear in the controls in these studies are listed as P. ramorum candidate VOCs in Table 8 . More VOC profiling of P. ramorum and other Phytophthora species and Phytophthora-infected plants are urgently needed to find functioning candidate VOCs for these pathogens.