Host-specific broomrapes: the role of strigolactone cocktails скачать в хорошем качестве

Host-specific broomrapes: the role of strigolactone cocktails

Broomrapes parasitise nutrients from its host. They find hosts by hijacking the signals (strigolactone hormones) the hosts produce to attract mycorrhizal fungi. Different host species produce different cocktails of strigolactones and the broomrapes only germinate with the right cocktail. Different broomrapes then specialise on different species. What you will learn: What makes broomrape unique: Lacking chlorophyll, it cannot photosynthesize and instead forms a physical connection (haustorium) to siphon water, minerals, and sugars directly from host roots. The fungal connection: Knapweed roots collaborate with mycorrhizal fungi that exchange soil nutrients for plant sugars—signalling partnerships begun through the release of strigolactones. Chemical espionage: Broomrape seeds lie dormant until they detect these same strigolactone signals, germinate, and locate their hosts. Their receptors are fine-tuned to specific molecular blends, allowing species-level host precision. Specialist strategies & broader impacts: Broomrape species specialise on hosts like ivy, thyme, or yarrow, and while some are rare in the U.K. and important for conservation, their relatives (Phelipanche, Striga) devastate crops—especially in Africa. Understanding strigolactone signalling offers promising avenues for pest control. Insights into strigolactones have already led to breakthroughs—like engineered tomato and sorghum varieties with modified strigolactone transporters, showing resistance to parasitic weeds. Thanks to Roger Horton who told me this location in response to a request on BlueSky.