Plant glandular trichomes as targets for breeding or engineering of resistance to herbivores

Glandular trichomes are specialized hairs found on the surface of about 30% of all vascular plants and are responsible for a significant portion of a plant's secondary chemistry. Glandular trichomes are an important source of essential oils, i.e., natural fragrances or products that can be used...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2012-12, Vol.13 (12), p.17077-17103
Main Authors: Glas, Joris J, Schimmel, Bernardus C J, Alba, Juan M, Escobar-Bravo, Rocío, Schuurink, Robert C, Kant, Merijn R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Breeding
Genes, Plant - physiology
Genetic Engineering
glandular trichome
Herbivory
leaf hair
pathogen
pest resistance
plant breeding
plant defense
Plant Physiological Phenomena
plant-herbivore interactions
Review
Solanaceae
Solanaceae - genetics
Solanaceae - metabolism
tomato
Trichomes - genetics
Trichomes - metabolism
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Summary:Glandular trichomes are specialized hairs found on the surface of about 30% of all vascular plants and are responsible for a significant portion of a plant's secondary chemistry. Glandular trichomes are an important source of essential oils, i.e., natural fragrances or products that can be used by the pharmaceutical industry, although many of these substances have evolved to provide the plant with protection against herbivores and pathogens. The storage compartment of glandular trichomes usually is located on the tip of the hair and is part of the glandular cell, or cells, which are metabolically active. Trichomes and their exudates can be harvested relatively easily, and this has permitted a detailed study of their metabolites, as well as the genes and proteins responsible for them. This knowledge now assists classical breeding programs, as well as targeted genetic engineering, aimed to optimize trichome density and physiology to facilitate customization of essential oil production or to tune biocide activity to enhance crop protection. We will provide an overview of the metabolic diversity found within plant glandular trichomes, with the emphasis on those of the Solanaceae, and of the tools available to manipulate their activities for enhancing the plant's resistance to pests.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms131217077