Herbivore-Induced Volatiles Orchestrate Oviposition Plasticity in Geometrid Moths to Counteract Direct Resistance in Tea Plants

)-β-ocimene and linalool, emitted by attacked plants. These volatiles serve as reliable oviposition deterrent signals, enabling females to avoid defended hosts and thereby enhance offspring fitness. Our study integrates plant physiological signaling, phytohormone-mediated metabolomic changes, and insect behavioral ecology to reveal a novel paradigm of intergenerational coevolution. It demonstrates how plant induced defenses directly shape insect oviposition strategies, sustaining a dynamic equilibrium in agroecosystems.