Volatile-Mediated Plant Defense Networks: Field Evidence for Isoprene as a Short-Distance Immune Signal
Peiyuan Zhu1, Baris Weber1, Maaria Rosenkranz1,2
1Research Unit Environmental Simulation, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|September 2, 2025
Summary
Plants use isoprene, a common atmospheric compound, to warn neighbors of danger. This airborne signal enhances plant immunity against pathogens, revealing new insights into plant communication.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Ecology
- Atmospheric chemistry
Background:
- Isoprene is the most abundant biogenic hydrocarbon, known for its role in photosynthesis and atmospheric chemistry.
- Laboratory studies suggest isoprene can boost plant immunity, but its role in natural plant-plant communication is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of isoprene in plant-plant communication under field conditions.
- To determine if enhanced isoprene emission from silver birch influences the immunity of neighboring Arabidopsis thaliana.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year field experiment using wild-type and transgenic silver birch (Betula pendula) with altered isoprene emission levels.
- Exposure of neighboring wild-type and mutant Arabidopsis thaliana (llp1, jar1) to varying isoprene concentrations.
- Analysis of receiver plant resistance to Pseudomonas syringae and volatile organic compounds.
Main Results:
- Neighboring Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to higher isoprene levels exhibited increased resistance to Pseudomonas syringae.
- This enhanced resistance was independent of jasmonate signaling but dependent on the LLP1 protein, crucial for systemic acquired resistance.
- Volatile analysis confirmed isoprene and other terpenoids act as airborne signals triggering plant immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Isoprene serves as an airborne signal that can prime or induce defense responses in neighboring plants.
- The study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of plant volatile perception, highlighting the role of LLP1 in isoprene-mediated immunity.
- Findings expand the understanding of plant chemical communication in natural ecosystems and its implications for plant defense.
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