Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are an ancient form of tissue-derived danger or alarm signals that initiate cellular signaling cascades, which often initiate defined defense responses. A DAMP can be any molecule that is usually not exposed to cells such as cell wall components, peptides, nucleic acid fragments, eATP and other compounds. DAMPs might be revealed upon tissue damage or during attack. Typically, DAMPs are derived from the injured organism. Almost all eukaryotes can generate and respond to DAMPs, including plants. Besides the molecules mentioned, certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be considered as DAMPs. Due to their chemical nature, VOCs are supposed to act not only locally and systemically in the same plant but also between plants. Here, we focus on damage-induced volatiles (DIVs) that might be regarded as DAMPs; we will review their origin, chemical nature, physiochemical properties, biological relevance and putative function in plant–plant communications. Moreover, we discuss the possibility to use such airborne DAMPs as eco-friendly compounds to stimulate natural defenses in agriculture in order to avoid pesticides.

损害相关分子模式（DAMP）是一种古老的组织形式的危险或警报信号，可引发细胞信号级联反应，而级联反应通常会引发确定的防御反应。DAMP可以是通常不暴露于细胞的任何分子，例如细胞壁成分，肽，核酸片段，eATP和其他化合物。DAMPs可能在组织损伤或发作时被发现。通常，DAMPs来自受损生物。几乎所有的真核生物都可以产生DAMP并对其做出反应，包括植物。除了提到的分子外，某些挥发性有机化合物（VOC）也可以视为DAMP。由于其化学性质，VOC不仅应在同一植物中局部和系统地起作用，而且在植物之间也应起作用。这里，我们专注于可能被视为DAMP的损害诱发挥发物（DIV）；我们将审查它们的起源，化学性质，理化性质，生物学相关性以及在植物间交流中的假定功能。此外，我们讨论了使用机载DAMPs作为生态友好型化合物刺激农业自然防御以避免农药的可能性。