Functional diversity of infochemicals in agri-ecological networks

The trophic info networks are ecological networks through which information flows from one trophic level to the other. They are like food webs, but the difference is that information is transferred, instead of energy. The dynamics of information exchange occur between organisms across trophic levels through infochemicals which transfer information within and among species in the form of chemical signals and is perhaps the most prevalent mode of communication in nature. These trophic infonetworks embrace diverse biochemical compounds bridging the interactive networks by which plants, herbivores, and carnivores interact and communicate. The knowledge about the perception and synthesis of natural infochemicals play an important role in understanding the functioning of agro-ecosystems. Organisms in infonetworks have co-evolved over generations as all members of a particular network depend on one another for survival. In this chapter, the trophic interactions and the diversity of infochemicals involved in agri-ecological networks and their role in developing ecologically, environmentally friendly pest management strategies are discussed.