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An Optimized Rhizobox Protocol to Visualize Root Growth and Responsiveness to Localized Nutrients
Published on: October 22, 2018
Belowground chemical signaling in maize: when simplicity rhymes with efficiency
Ivan Hiltpold1, Ted C J Turlings
1University of Neuchâtel, Institute of Biology, FARCE, Case Postale 158, CH-2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|April 30, 2008
Summary
Maize roots emit (E)-beta-caryophyllene, a cost-effective sesquiterpene, to attract beneficial nematodes when attacked by Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. This specific root volatile diffuses effectively in soil, unlike the complex leaf emissions.
Area of Science:
- Plant-insect interactions
- Chemical ecology
- Belowground communication
Background:
- Maize roots damaged by Diabrotica virgifera virgifera larvae emit (E)-beta-caryophyllene.
- This sesquiterpene attracts the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis megidis.
- Maize leaves emit diverse volatile organic compounds upon herbivory, unlike roots.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the difference in volatile emissions between maize roots and leaves.
- Explain why roots emit a single compound while leaves emit a blend.
- Study the diffusion properties of maize volatiles in soil.
Main Methods:
- Studied diffusion of various maize volatiles in sand and soil.
- Compared diffusion rates of terpenes, specifically (E)-beta-caryophyllene and alpha-copaene.
- Assessed volatile diffusion under varying moisture levels.
Main Results:
- Terpenes, particularly (E)-beta-caryophyllene, showed the best diffusion properties in soil.
- (E)-beta-caryophyllene diffused faster and further in gaseous phase at low moisture.
- A water layer is crucial to prevent vertical diffusion loss in dry sand.
Conclusions:
- Maize roots emit (E)-beta-caryophyllene as a cost-effective and efficient belowground signal.
- The compound's diffusion properties are optimized for soil environments.
- This targeted root emission contrasts with the complex leaf volatile blend.
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