Summary
This narrative review in Phytochemistry Reviews examines how ecological and environmental determinants — including genetics, climate, soil characteristics, and biotic pressures — drive variability in phytochemical profiles of forest trees. The authors synthesise evidence on abiotic stressors (temperature, UV, nutrient availability) and biotic interactions (herbivory, competition), highlighting implications for plant defence, ecosystem function, and the bioactive value of forest-derived compounds. It is positioned as a conceptual synthesis rather than a primary empirical study.
Regional applicability
Although global in scope, the principles linking climate, soils and biotic stress to phytochemical expression are relevant to UK temperate forestry, agroforestry and native woodland management, particularly where species selection and site conditions influence bioactive compound yields. Direct translation to UK-specific species and silvicultural regimes would require species-level evidence beyond this review.
Key measures
Secondary metabolite concentrations (phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids); environmental covariates (temperature, UV, soil properties, moisture); biotic stress indicators
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how abiotic factors (temperature, UV radiation, soil nutrients, water availability) and biotic factors (herbivory, pathogens, competition) shape secondary metabolite profiles in forest trees, including seasonal and spatial variation in phytochemical concentrations.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.