Beans use an immune receptor to call in airstrikes on caterpillars

Common bean plants detect molecules in caterpillar saliva and release a scent that attracts predatory wasps using a single immune receptor called INR (inceptin receptor). This receptor recognizes inceptin in caterpillar oral secretions and activates an herbivore-specific immune pathway while triggering emission of volatile compounds that recruit predatory wasps. Field experiments showed caterpillar growth was 72.7% higher on plants with a non-functional INR gene, demonstrating the receptor's critical role in plant defense.

Source: Ars Technica | 2026-06-03