As I remember it, the word "hormone" was coined from a Greek word for "messenger."

Hormones are found in plants as well as in animals. I remember reading over twenty years ago about resistance to Gypsy moth infestation arising in trees well removed from initial invaded tree, and apparently mediated by something in aerosols release from leaves being chewed by the moth larvae.Increased tannin in the leaves reached levels toxic to the larvae.

In the latest Discover magazine there is an article aboutmany different kinds of plants emitting aerosols that attract predators of the insects that are damaging them.No name is given to these agents.

Would "hormone" be appropriate in this case?

Hormone sounds good to me for what's being emitted, Bill. Let's see--that gypsy moth infestation. Which tree was particularly vulnerable to the gypsy moth? I wish the gypsy moth had attacked that blessed ailanthus that is taking over the woods of Pennsylvania along I-81 or 80 (can't remember which).

Best regards,
WordWeevil

The gypsy moths might attack any one or more trees. What was observed was that the trees downwind from those first attacked had much less total damage by the time new infestations became fewer. and the last one attacked had the least damage.

Would this be an appropriate usage for "pheromone"?

plants emitting aerosols that attract predators of the marauder
A "messenger" [hormone] can be sent for pizza, wwh. This plant sends out a 911 for a "hit" on its tormentor. Call it a Machiavellimone or Cosa Nostrol.

Dear wofahulicodoc: I have never seen the difference spelled out. Since Pheromone is newer, perhaps it was intended to be more inclusive.

Remember way to make a hormone? Don't pay her.

I think it has to do with the mode of transmission. Hormones are only within the organism, transmitted by the bloodstream to the target organ.

Don't certain female insects emit pheromones into the atmosphere as attractants to the males? That's been exploited in some pest control devices.

And they've even been found in humans, with receptors in the nasal passages of the opposite sex. For a while they were incorporated into some perfumes, as I recall; maybe still. (No, they're not aphrodisiacs at all, but they do seem to render the recipient more calm, serene, friendly, receptive.)

Pheromones were a sexy topic not too many years ago; there ought to be a lot available via google.

I found a good site, with definition of ";heromone".
Definition: Pheromone = ectohormone - secreted outside the body into the
environment where they can have behavioural or physiological effects on other
animals (of the same species ???).

Some of the substances involved in plant defenses are thought to be aerosols from "saliva" of larvae or insects doing the chewing. Thiis would not fit pheromone definition.
A quote:"Dicke found that when spider mites attack lima bean plants, the plants release a chemical SOS that attracts another mite that preys on the spider mite."

lima bean plants release a chemical SOS
Are you still looking for a name, wwh? How about SOBol - the Save Our Butt (or "Bean") aerosol

lima bean plants release a chemical SOS
Are you still looking for a name, wwh? How about SOBol - the Save Our Butt (or "Bean") aerosol

Well, w-a-a-a-a-y down in Mexico, they just take up athletics, don't they?