Functional Characterization of a (E)-β-Ocimene Synthase Gene Contributing to the Defense against Spodoptera litura

Abstract

Soybean is a worldwide crop that offers valuable proteins, fatty acids, and phytonutrients to humans but is always damaged by insect pests or pathogens. Plants have captured sophisticated defense mechanisms in resisting the attack of insects and pathogens. How to protect soybean in an environment- or human-friendly way or how to develop plant-based pest control is a hotpot. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles that are released by multiple plant species have been assessed in multi-systems against various insects, of which (E)-β-ocimene has been reported to show anti-insect function in a variety of plants, including soybean. However, the responsible gene in soybean is unknown, and its mechanism of synthesis and anti-insect properties lacks comprehensive assessment. In this study, (E)-β-ocimene was confirmed to be induced by Spodoptera litura treatment. A plastidic localized monoterpene synthase gene, designated as GmOCS, was identified to be responsible for the biosynthesis of (E)-β-ocimene through genome-wide gene family screening and in vitro and in vivo assays. Results from transgenic soybean and tobacco confirmed that (E)-β-ocimene catalyzed by GmOCS had pivotal roles in repelling a S. litura attack. This study advances the understanding of (E)-β-ocimene synthesis and its function in crops, as well as provides a good candidate for further anti-insect soybean improvement.

The impact of smoke point and aroma profile of sweet red pepper seed oil on culinary application and consumer acceptance

“…It is well-known that seeds contain everything necessary for the new life development, and the results of this research underscore the significance of byproducts as novel raw materials and the importance of investing in processes for extracting, isolating, or applying their beneficial components. Due to its protective function in plants, pepper byproducts (seeds, pepper seed oil) represent a potential source of this terpene to be used as a biopesticide, as indicated by published studies (Kang et al, 2018;Han et al, 2023). Biopesticides are gaining significant attention globally due to their potential to replace synthetic pesticides that harm the environment (Nuruzzaman et al, 2019;Meshram et al, 2022;Koul, 2023).…”

“…Researchers, including Kang and colleagues, have demonstrated that treating Chinese cabbage with β-ocimene can activate protection against green peach aphids (Myzus persicae), making it an interesting approach for natural pest control in agriculture. Since the cloning of the first gene (E)-β-ocimene synthase (AtTPS03) from Arabidopsis (a plant from the Brassicaceae family), more genes responsible for the synthesis of (E)-ocimene and their insect-repellent functions have been characterized in various plants, such as tomatoes, Chinese cabbage, and lima beans, soyabean and tobacco (Kang et al, 2018;Han et al, 2023). For culinary use of oils, several factors are essential, including the content of free fatty acids, water, peroxide value, saponification value, iodine number, fatty acid composition, and other components.…”

Integration of RNA-Seq and Metabolite Analysis Reveals the Key Floral Scent Biosynthetic Genes in Herbaceous Peony

“…As an example, 2-PE mediates both direct and indirect plant defenses, as well as attracting pollinators such as beetles, bees, and butterflies [49]. Terpenes such as β-caryophyllene play roles in mutualistic interactions, plant defense, and insect attraction [50][51][52]. Geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene, possesses anti-microbial, antifeedant, and insect repellant activities [53].…”

Chemical diversity in angiosperms − monoterpene synthases control complex reactions that provide the precursors for ecologically and commercially important monoterpenoids

“…Direct deprotonation results in the formation of an acyclic monoterpene hydrocarbon [e.g., β‐myrcene, ( Z )‐β‐ocimene or ( E )‐β‐ocimene], while water capture with subsequent deprotonation leads to the formation of acyclic alcohol [geraniol, nerol, (−)‐(3 R )‐linalool, or (+)‐(3 S )‐linalool] (Figure 3, inset 1). MTSs that produce one of these acyclic monoterpenes preferentially have been characterized across the angiosperm lineage (Abbas et al., 2019; Aharoni et al., 2004; Arimura et al., 2004, 2008; Aros et al., 2012; Ashaari et al., 2020; Bin et al., 2023; Bohlmann et al., 2000; Booth et al., 2017; Cao et al., 2014; Chen et al., 2003, 2010, 2018, 2023; Dudareva et al., 1996, 2003; Fäldt et al., 2003; Fan et al., 2023; Gao et al., 2018; Günnewich et al., 2007; Han et al., 2023; Hosoi et al., 2004; Huang et al., 2018, 2021, 2022; Ibdah et al., 2022; Iijima, Davidovich‐Rikanati, et al., 2004; Iijima, Gang, et al., 2004; Ito & Honda, 2007; Javedan Asl et al., 2015; Jia et al., 1999; Jing‐Jing et al., 2014; Magnard et al., 2018; Masumoto et al., 2010; Mei et al., 2017; Nagegowda et al., 2008; Nawade et al., 2020; Önder et al., 2021; Ruan et al., 2016; Shimada et al., 2004, 2005; Sugiura et al., 2011; van Schie et al., 2007; Wang & Ito, 2014; Yahyaa et al., 2015; Yang et al., 2005, 2013; Yuan et al., 2008; Yue et al., 2014; Zager et al., 2019; Zeng et al., 2016; Zhang et al., …”