Abstract
Main conclusion
Maize produces an array of herbivore-induced terpene volatiles that attract parasitoids to infested plants and a suite of pathogen-induced non-volatile terpenoids with antimicrobial activity to defend against pests.
Plants rely on complex blends of constitutive and dynamically produced specialized metabolites to mediate beneficial ecological interactions and protect against biotic attack. One such class of metabolites are terpenoids, a large and structurally diverse class of molecules shown to play significant defensive and developmental roles in numerous plant species. Despite this, terpenoids have only recently been recognized as significant contributors to pest resistance in maize (Zea mays), a globally important agricultural crop. The current review details recent advances in our understanding of biochemical structures, pathways and functional roles of maize terpenoids. Dependent upon the lines examined, maize can harbor more than 30 terpene synthases, underlying the inherent diversity of maize terpene defense systems. Part of this defensive arsenal is the inducible production of volatile bouquets that include monoterpenes, homoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which often function in indirect defense by enabling the attraction of parasitoids and predators. More recently discovered are a subset of sesquiterpene and diterpene hydrocarbon olefins modified by cytochrome P450s to produce non-volatile end-products such kauralexins, zealexins, dolabralexins and β-costic acid. These non-volatile terpenoid phytoalexins often provide effective defense against both microbial and insect pests via direct antimicrobial and anti-feedant activity. The diversity and promiscuity of maize terpene synthases, coupled with a variety of secondary modifications, results in elaborate defensive layers whose identities, regulation and precise functions are continuing to be elucidated.
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The use of trade name, commercial product or corporation in this publication is for the information and convenience of the reader and does not imply an official recommendation, endorsement or approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Agricultural Research Service for any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. USDA is an equal opportunity provide and employer. This work was funded by United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service projects 6036-11210-001-00D and 5010-42000-048-00-D and by United States Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture Grant 2018-51181-28419.
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Block, A.K., Vaughan, M.M., Schmelz, E.A. et al. Biosynthesis and function of terpenoid defense compounds in maize (Zea mays). Planta 249, 21–30 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-018-2999-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-018-2999-2