Can Plant - Herbivore Interaction be affected by Selenium?

Selenium acts as an antioxidant, therefore in low concentrations increase the plant tolerance to drought, salinity, UV induced stress and metals. All these can be beneficial for the growth of plants and can positively affect their yield. In higher concentrations it can be toxic, but some plants can tolerate elevated concentrations. These are called Se accumulators. High selenium tissue concentration may affect other species, such are herbivores. Previous studies demonstrated that insects do accumulate selenium, but the effects of this element on insect growth and survival is limited. Laboratory studies have shown that selenate incorporated into the diet affects feeding site preferences and host plant selection, reduce growth and acts as antifeedant for larvae of the generalist herbivory beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). Selenium accumulation in tissues protect plants against caterpillars of cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), larvae of the cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae), green peach aphids (Myzus persicae), nematodes and prairie dogs. Therefore selenium can reduce herbivore's growth, cause toxic effects or deter herbivores, and at the same time positively affects plant growth.