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Systemic root signalling in a belowground, volatile-mediated tritrophic interaction.

Ivan Hiltpold¹, Matthias Erb, Christelle A M Robert

¹FARCE Laboratory, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Plant, Cell & Environment

|April 12, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Maize roots attacked by pests release (E)-β-caryophyllene (EβC) volatiles, even in non-attacked tissues. This systemic signaling attracts beneficial nematodes, but local signals are more potent.

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Area of Science:

Plant-insect interactions
Chemical ecology
Root herbivory

Background:

Plants emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) upon herbivore attack, attracting natural enemies.
This phenomenon is well-documented in aboveground tissues but unstudied in root systems.
Maize roots are attacked by Diabrotica virgifera virgifera larvae, impacting crop yield.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the systemic induction of (E)-β-caryophyllene (EβC) in maize roots following herbivory.
To determine the role of systemically produced EβC in attracting entomopathogenic nematodes.
To analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of EβC synthesis and release in attacked and non-attacked root tissues.

Main Methods:

Larval herbivory on maize roots by Diabrotica virgifera virgifera.
Quantification of (E)-β-caryophyllene (EβC) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Measurement of tps23 gene expression in root tissues.
Belowground olfactometer assays with entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis megidis).

Main Results:

EβC production was significantly higher at the herbivore feeding site.
A smaller, but significant, increase in EβC and tps23 gene expression occurred in non-attacked root tissues.
Systemic volatile production in roots was demonstrated for the first time.
Entomopathogenic nematodes were more attracted to locally induced root sites than systemically induced ones.

Conclusions:

Herbivory on maize roots triggers a systemic volatile response, including EβC production in non-attacked tissues.
While systemic signaling occurs, local EβC release is more effective in attracting entomopathogenic nematodes.
This study reveals a novel aspect of plant defense signaling in belowground systems.