Title: "The beginning and end of plant-insect interactions: from the perception of herbivores to the survival of microbial invasion"

Abstract: Plants, insects and microorganisms constitute the dominant life forms of terrestrial ecosystems. Essential multi-trophic interactions between plants and other organisms are mediated by perception events regulating the production of specific yet highly multifunctional phytochemicals. How key crops mechanistically recognize insect herbivores, produce an initial wave of inducible defenses and subsequently survive aggressive biotic environments with breached physical defenses remains surprisingly unexplored. These questions are examined in two experimental systems collectively constituting succotash, common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays). At the front end of the interaction, we present an update on research to uncover the identity of legume receptor(s) for specific ligand elicitors present in caterpillar oral secretions, termed herbivore associated molecular patterns (HAMPs). To examine the aftermath of sustained insect attack, we utilize metabolomics, genetic mapping and bioassays to understand the surprising complex chemistry and genetics of defense-related small molecule defenses in maize activated following a combination of insect and microbial challenges.