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(Z)-3-Hexenol induces defense genes and downstream metabolites in maize

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Abstract

In response to insect feeding, corn plants (Zea mays cv. Delprim) release elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including the C6-volatile (Z)-3-hexenol. The level of mRNA accumulation for a series of defense genes was monitored in response to application of (Z)-3-hexenol (50 nmol) to undamaged plants. The induction of transcripts for hpl (hydroperoxide lyase), fps (farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase), pal (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase), lox (lipoxygenase), igl (indole-3-glycerol phosphate lyase) and mpi (maize proteinase inhibitor) were compared with metabolites generated from the respective pathways. While headspace VOC analysis showed an increase in (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and methyl salicylate with lox and pal induction, respectively, MPI accumulation was not observed with an increase in mpi transcripts. Moreover, (Z)-3-hexenol treatment did not elevate sesquiterpene emissions or activate fps transcription. Chemical labeling and bioassay experiments established that exogenous (Z)-3-hexenol can be taken up and converted to a less active acetylated form. These data indicate that (Z)-3-hexenol can serve as a signaling molecule that triggers defense responses in maize and can rapidly be turned over in planta.

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Abbreviations

BAW :

Beet armyworm

FPS :

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase

GAP C :

Glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase, cytosolic form

HMGR :

Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase

HPL :

Hydroperoxide lyase

IGL :

Indole-3-glycerol phosphate lyase

LOX :

Lipoxygenase

MeJA :

Methyl jasmonate

MeSA :

Methyl salicylate

MPI :

Maize proteinase inhibitor

PAL :

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase

VOC :

Volatile organic compound

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Acknowledgements

We thank Blanca San Segundo for kindly providing the MPI antibody. This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (grant no. 35320-9378), by the Herman Frasch Foundation for Chemical Research, and by the Robert A. Welch Foundation (grant no. D-478).

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Correspondence to Paul W. Paré.

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Farag, M.A., Fokar, M., Abd, H. et al. (Z)-3-Hexenol induces defense genes and downstream metabolites in maize. Planta 220, 900–909 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-004-1404-5

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