Papers
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Total Citations
192
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About
Anja David is a leading researcher in chemical ecology, whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of plant-insect interactions and the sophisticated mechanisms of plant defense. Her research focuses on how plants perceive and respond to herbivore damage, particularly through the emission of volatile organic compounds. David’s major contribution is her pioneering use of the "MecWorm" robotic device, which precisely mimics herbivore feeding without the confounding effects of insect saliva. Her highly cited 2007 study (192 citations) on *Spodoptera littoralis* feeding on lima beans revealed that the timing of damage—diurnal versus nocturnal—differentially initiates rhythmic volatile emissions, demonstrating that plants possess a circadian-based sensitivity to herbivore attack. This work provided critical evidence that mechanical damage alone can trigger complex, time-dependent defense responses, reshaping the field’s view on plant signaling. David’s innovative experimental approach and her insights into the temporal dynamics of plant immunity have made her a key figure in chemical ecology, inspiring new research on how plants optimize their defenses in a 24-hour environment.
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