Applications of terpene analysis in forest genetics

Abstract

Application. Terpenoid compounds of conifers offer some advantages over other molecular markers and should be considered for use in fingerprinting genetic materials, measuring genetic diversity, selecting for resistance to pests, and determining systematic relationships and adaptation of species and races.Abstract. Terpenoid substances in forest trees are versatile biochemical systems for use as genetic markers and for studying genetic regulation at the biochemical level. Univariate, multivariate and correlative data analyses from numerous studies on different coniferous species are presented. These data indicate that fitness values for most terpenes examined are probably so low as to be unmeasurable except in long evolutionary time spans. Variation patterns for monoterpenes often closely parallel racial differentiation for morphological traits and reflect the migratory history of species and species-complexes. Random drift and gene flow are likely the major influences on genetic organization of terpene variability. Mutation in regulatory genes may be responsible for quantitative variation within major gene systems for terpenes. The mono-, sesqui-and diterpene systems in conifers offer good opportunities for research on the nature of gene regulation in plants and its evolutionary significance.

Monoterpene responses to interacting effects of drought stress and infection by the fungus Heterobasidion parviporum in two clones of Norway spruce (Picea abies)

“…Chemosystematic studies, mainly in conifer tree species, have demonstrated that, although the total concentrations of terpenes are clearly influenced by the environment, the constitutive monoterpene profiles in mature organs are stable and little affected by environmental factors; therefore, terpenes have proven to be very useful as biochemical markers in plant genetics to characterize species, provenances, hybrids and clones (Baradat et al, 1991;Hanover, 1992;Elzinga et al, 2015;Barbero and Maffei, 2016).…”

“…Although this contrasting response could be due to differences in experimental design between studies, i.e., greenhouse pot vs field experiments, sampling time, and different ages of the plants, another possible explanation is that plant chemical defences can vary with plant ontogeny. Under the selective impacts of herbivores, trees during their juvenile-to-mature transition process can promote changes in terpene mixtures to reduce the incidence of pest and diseases (Hanover, 1992;Boege and Marquis, 2005).…”

Defensive roles of terpenoid mixtures in conifers

“…The relative proportions (percentages) of constitutive monoterpenes in mature tissues (which make up the constitutive monoterpene profile or the constitutive mixture) are strongly inherited, while the yeld ofmonoterpenes is subjected more to environmental parameters (Baradat eta/., 1991;Hanover, 1992;Plomion et a/., 1996). Correlations due to constraint are present when monoterpene proportions are used.…”

“…Genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis may be turned "on" or "oft'', or regulated during organ development and growth phases of the tree (Hanover, 1992), and recently some changes in monoterpene expression have been related to seasonal periods of herbivores (see below).…”

Analysis of lipophilic compounds in needles of Pinus pinea L.

“…The monoterpenes of Pinus spp. are dependent upon the plant genotype and can be used as biochemical markers in many genetic experiments and ecological studies [2,4,6,11]. The study of these compounds is mainly carried out in needles because the epithelium of their resin canals is the basic tissue responsible for the production of terpenes; however cortical monoterpenes are considered more stable [2] because foliar monoterpenes are related to the age of the needle.…”