Removal of floral microbiota reduces floral terpene emissions

• DOI: 10.1038/srep06727
• Publication Date: 2014-10-22T09:16:15Z
• Authors: Josep Peñuelas; Gerard Farré-Arme...; Joan Llusia; Albert Gargallo-G...; Laura Rico; Jordi Sardans; Jaume Terradas; Iolanda Filella
• Keywords: Terpene

The emission of floral terpenes plays a key role in pollination many plant species. We hypothesized that the phyllospheric microbiota could significantly influence these terpene emissions because microorganisms also produce and emit terpenes. tested this hypothesis by analyzing effect removing from flowers. fumigated Sambucus nigra L. plants, including their flowers, with combination three broad-spectrum antibiotics measured tissular concentrations both antibiotic-fumigated non-fumigated plants. Floral decreased ca. two thirds after fumigation. concentration tissues did not decrease, respiration rates change, indicating an absence damage to tissues. suppression microbial communities changed composition proportion volatile blend. One week fumigation, flowers were emitting β-ocimene, linalool, epoxylinalool, linalool oxide. These results show quantity quality therefore possible pollination.