Strigolactones and Control of Parasitic Weeds

Abstract

Parasitic weeds such as Striga and Orobanche species pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity by attaching to the roots of host plants, depriving them of essential water, nutrients, and energy derived from photosynthesis. The seeds of these parasites require specific chemical signals, known as germination stimulants, released by host plant roots to initiate their germination process. These stimulants mainly consist of isoprenoids categorized as strigolactones (SLs), a class of plant hormones crucial for regulating various aspects of plant growth and development. The structural diversity of SLs is attributed to their biosynthetic pathway originating from carotenoids. SLs mediate interactions between plants and other organisms, particularly parasitic plants. They serve a dual role in these interactions: while facilitating the germination of parasitic weed seeds, they also influence root development, shoot branching, and plant responses to environmental cues. Leveraging this understanding, researchers aim to develop potent SL agonists and small-molecule SL agonists that induce suicidal germination of parasitic weeds at low concentrations. Such strategies could effectively control these harmful pests, enhancing crop yields sustainably. In summary, insights into the function of SLs in plant–parasitic weed relationships provide a foundation for developing innovative approaches to manage these agricultural threats and improve overall crop productivity.