Abstract: Benzoxazinoids which exist in most Gramineae plants, with 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one （DIMBOA） as the representative, show broad-spectrum of biological activities. Researches on benzoxazinoids were initialized in 1950－1960's. Recently their biological functions have been much further elucidated due to application of molecular biology technique and the theoretical development of plant induced resistance. The present paper reviews the most recent advances in researches on benzoxazinoids. Benzoxazinoids are secondary metabolites branching out from the tryptophan synthesis pathway. The concentrations of benzoxazinoids vary with plant tissues and ages; and benzoxazinoid accumulation and hydrolyzation of benzoxazinoid glucosides can be induced by feeding of herbivores and infection of pathogens. Benzoxazinoids have many bioactivities, such as pest resistance, phytopoison, pathogen resistance, allopathic effects, etc.

Key words: 苯并噁嗪, 丁布, 植物诱导抗性, 植物毒性, 化感作用