M. Erb

The benzoxazinoid breakdown product 5-Methoxy-2-Nitrophenol has a dual function in maize defense against herbivory

This study identifies 5-Methoxy-2-Nitrophenol as a breakdown product of benzoxazinoids in maize that functions as both a direct defense compound and a defense modulator against herbivores.

The lactonase BxdA mediates metabolic adaptation of maize root bacteria to benzoxazinoids

The paper identifies BxdA, a lactonase in maize root bacteria, which enables metabolic adaptation to benzoxazinoids, enhancing bacterial growth under carbon limitation.

Soil chemical and microbial gradients determine accumulation of root exuded secondary metabolites and plant-soil feedbacks in the field

This study shows that soil chemical and microbial gradients influence benzoxazinoid accumulation and plant-soil feedbacks in a field, with feedback effects varying along these gradients.

Bacterial tolerance to host-exuded specialized metabolites structures the maize root microbiome

The paper shows that bacterial tolerance to benzoxazinoids, a type of plant specialized metabolite, determines their abundance in maize root microbiomes.

High-resolution kinetics of herbivore-induced plant volatile transfer reveal clocked responses in neighboring plants

This study shows that prolonged exposure to herbivore-induced volatiles causes neighboring plants to exhibit a clocked temporal response, integrating priming and direct induction.

Root-exuded secondary metabolites can alleviate negative plant-soil feedbacks

The paper shows that benzoxazinoids, exuded by maize and other crops, can alleviate negative plant-soil feedbacks by altering soil microbial communities.

The Arabidopsis thaliana carboxylesterase AtCXE12 converts volatile (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate to (Z)-3-hexenol

This study identifies AtCXE12 as a key enzyme converting (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate to (Z)-3-hexenol in Arabidopsis leaves and shows similar activity in other plant species.

Immature leaves are the dominant volatile sensing organs of maize

The paper identifies immature maize leaves as the primary organs for sensing herbivory-induced volatiles, showing reduced responsiveness in older leaves.

Plant secondary metabolite-dependent plant-soil feedbacks can improve crop yield in the field

This study shows that maize secondary metabolites improve wheat yield and growth through soil feedbacks in field conditions.

Far-red light increases maize volatile emissions in response to volatile cues from neighboring plants

This study shows that far-red light enhances maize's response to herbivore-induced volatiles by altering photosynthesis and phytochrome B signaling.

Soil chemistry determines whether defensive plant secondary metabolites promote or suppress herbivore growth

The paper shows that soil iron levels determine whether maize benzoxazinoids promote or suppress fall armyworm growth.

Soil composition and plant genotype determine benzoxazinoid-mediated plant-soil feedbacks in cereals

The paper shows that benzoxazinoid-mediated plant-soil feedbacks in cereals depend on soil type and genotype, with cultivar-specific effects on growth and insect resistance.

A beta-glucosidase of an insect herbivore determines both toxicity and deterrence of a dandelion defense metabolite

The paper shows that an insect beta-glucosidase metabolizes a dandelion defense compound, reducing its toxicity and altering herbivore feeding preference.

Adaptations and responses of the common dandelion to low atmospheric pressure in high altitude environments

This study examines how common dandelion populations from different altitudes respond to low atmospheric pressure, finding that low-altitude populations show reduced defense and root growth under low pressure, while high-altitude populations are adapted.

Leafminer attack induces plant-mediated facilitation of conspecific pupae in the soil

This study shows that leafminer herbivory accelerates pupal metamorphosis in tomato plants by inducing def-1-dependent systemic responses, mediated by root volatiles and phytohormone signaling.

Complex plant metabolomes guide fitness-relevant foraging decisions of a specialist herbivore

This study shows how western corn rootworm integrates sugar and benzoxazinoid cues for foraging, with sugars aiding host finding and benzoxazinoids influencing acceptance, both improving growth and survival.

Isolation and characterization of Streptomyces bacteriophages and Streptomyces strains encoding biosynthetic arsenals

This study identifies novel Streptomyces strains and phages with potential for antibiotic discovery and genetic manipulation.

Specific and conserved patterns of microbiota-structuring by maize benzoxazinoids in the field

This study shows that maize secretes benzoxazinoids (BXs) that shape root and rhizosphere microbiota, with BXs significantly affecting fungal communities across different soil types.

Plant-derived CO2 mediates long-distance host location and quality assessment by a root herbivore

This study shows that CO2 mediates long-distance host location and quality assessment by WCR larvae through the DvvGr2 receptor, while short-range location uses other volatiles.

Variation in root secondary metabolites is shaped by past climatic conditions

The paper examines how past climatic conditions influence root secondary metabolites in Taraxacum officinale, finding strong associations with climate rather than current environmental factors.

Identification of Photorhabdus symbionts by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

This study evaluates MALDI-TOF MS for identifying Photorhabdus species, showing high discrimination for distantly related species but limited resolution for closely related ones.

Evaluation of primer pairs for microbiome profiling across a food chain from soils to humans within the One Health framework

This study evaluates primer pairs for microbiome profiling across a food chain, finding that 515F-806R provides the highest species richness and diversity estimates.

Rapid and independent evolution of ancestral and novel defenses in a genus of toxic plants (Erysimum, Brassicaceae)

The paper examines the evolution of chemical defenses in Erysimum plants, finding that ancestral and novel defenses evolved independently without trade-offs.

Plant defense resistance in natural enemies of a specialist insect herbivore

The paper investigates how entomopathogenic nematodes develop resistance to benzoxazinoid metabolites sequestered by a maize herbivore, showing increased infectivity towards the herbivore.

Distinct defense strategies allow different grassland species to cope with root herbivore attack

The paper examines how three grassland species use different defense strategies against root herbivores and finds they employ distinct mechanisms to cope with attack.

Adapted dandelions increase seed dispersal potential when they are attacked by root herbivores

The paper shows that dandelion populations under high root herbivore pressure increase seed dispersal potential when attacked, but at the cost of reduced germination.

Root volatiles in plant-plant interactions II: Root terpenes from Centaurea stoebe modify Taraxacum officinale root chemistry and root herbivore growth

This study shows that root VOCs from Centaurea stoebe alter Taraxacum officinale root chemistry and increase herbivore growth.

Molecular dissection of early defense signaling underlying volatile-mediated defense priming and herbivore resistance in rice

This study shows that indole, a volatile compound, primes early defense signaling in rice, enhancing resistance to herbivores by upregulating key signaling components like OsMPK3 and OsWRKY70.

Can herbivore-induced volatiles protect plants by increasing the herbivores’ susceptibility to natural pathogens?

The paper tests if herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) increase herbivore susceptibility to pathogens, finding that indole enhances susceptibility to viruses and bacteria.