The allocation of resources between growth-related processes and defence-related biosynthesis of mainly secondary compounds in plants is discussed first on a descriptional level and, second, on the basis of possible mechanisms of trade-off. An overview is given on the manifold impacts of environmental conditions i.e. temperature, atmospheric CO2 and ozone, soil nitrogen, on host--parasite interactions, on secondary metabolism and on trade-offs between growth and defence. In this context, the often made simplified equation of secondary metabolism with plant defence is critically reviewed taking into account the individual host--parasite interactions as well as the structural and functional diversity of defence-related metabolites.     «

The allocation of resources between growth-related processes and defence-related biosynthesis of mainly secondary compounds in plants is discussed first on a descriptional level and, second, on the basis of possible mechanisms of trade-off. An overview is given on the manifold impacts of environmental conditions i.e. temperature, atmospheric CO2 and ozone, soil nitrogen, on host--parasite interactions, on secondary metabolism and on trade-offs between growth and defence. In this context, the oft...     »