It's possible that plants detect the chemical markers of the insects while they bite the leaves. A response to pests could be early flowering, to give the plant

It's possible that plants detect the chemical markers of the insects while they bite the leaves. A response to pests could be early flowering, to give the plant a better chance to complete its life cycle. Chitosan is derived from chitin, and it acts in a similar way, it induces an immune response in plants, and makes them more vigorous. Plants treated with chitosan usually grow larger, flower earlier, and produce more fruit.