A Platform to enhance the production and activity of Exudates from Allelopathic and non-allelopathic Rice to identify new herbicidal lead compounds

Plants detect neighbouring plants by the chemical signals they secrete, and their responses include increased secretion of phytotoxic compounds ("allelopathy") and root growth architecture alteration. Responses can be enhanced by exogenous application of jasmonates (JAs), methyl salicylate, competing weeds root exudates [1,2]. Biotic and abiotic stimuli signalling regulate soilborne signals for neighbour detection, like (-) -loliolide and induced defensive metabolites such as Momilactones in rice and other species [3,4].

Main aims. In this interdisciplinary project, spanning plant biology, analytical chemistry and bioinformatics, root signals, particularly species-specific signals between rice and the infestant weed barnyard grass (Echinochloa sp.), and their underlying mechanisms, yet uncovered due to methodological limitations and root-soil interactions, will be investigated. The project provides elements of fundamental sciences aligned with clear commencial applications for SYNGENTA.