Biosynthesis, emission, and regulation of plant phenylpropanoid and benzenoid volatiles

Plants produce a wide array of structurally diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that mediate interactions with their surroundings by attracting pollinators and seed dispersers, deterring pathogens and herbivores and facilitating intra- and inter-plant signaling. Benzenoid and phenylpropanoid volatiles, the second largest class of plant VOCs, contribute not only to these biological processes but also often display various bioactivities. Given their ecological and biological importance, substantial progress has been made in elucidating their biosynthetic pathways, emission mechanisms, and regulatory networks, yet significant gaps remain. In this review, we bring together previous findings and recent advances in the biosynthesis, release, and regulation of benzenoid and phenylpropanoid volatiles and highlight outstanding questions in the field.