cis-Jasmone induces accumulation of defence compounds in wheat, Triticum aestivum

• DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.06.020
• Publication Date: 2007-08-03T11:17:56Z
• Authors: Maria C. Blassiol...; Michael A. Birkett; Ruth Gordon-Weeks; Lesley E. Smart; Janet L. Martin; Barry J. Pye; Richard Bromilow; John A. Pickett
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Trimethylsilyl Compounds; Fluoroacetates; Cyclopentanes; Plant Components, Aerial; Heterocyclic Compounds, 2-Ring; Plant Roots; 01 natural sciences; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Diazomethane; Acetamides; Solvents; Trifluoroacetic Acid; Oxylipins; Volatilization; Triticum

Liquid phase extraction (LPE) and vapor phase extraction (VPE) methodologies were used to evaluate the impact of the plant activator, cis-jasmone, on the secondary metabolism of wheat, Triticum aestivum, var. Solstice. LPE allowed the measurement of benzoxazinoids, i.e. 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (HMBOA) and 6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2-one (MBOA), and phenolic acids such as trans-p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and cis- and trans-ferulic acid. Using LPE, a significantly higher level of DIMBOA was found in aerial parts and roots of T. aestivum following treatment with cis-jasmone, when compared with untreated plants. Similar results were obtained for phenolic acids, such as trans-ferulic acid and vanillic acid in roots. Using VPE, it was possible to measure levels of 2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (HBOA), benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one (BOA), ferulic acid, syringic acid and coumaric acid. The levels of HBOA in aerial parts and roots were significantly greater in cis-jasmone treated plants compared to untreated plants. cis-Jasmone is known to be a plant activator in terms of production of defence-related volatile semiochemicals that repel aphids and increase the foraging activity of aphid parasitoids. These results show, for the first time, that cis-jasmone also induces selective production of secondary metabolites that are capable of directly reducing development of pests, diseases and weeds.