Canonical strigolactone

Strigolactones (SL) are a group of carotenoid-derived plant hormones or phytohormones produced by a plant's roots. Synthetic analogues have been produced. SLs play a role in the regulation of several aspects of plant growth and development and responses to biotic and abiotic stress. When released by roots, SLs also enhance the growth and metabolism of beneficial symbiotic fungi favoring the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Profluorescent probes have been designed: commercially available fluorescein derivatives, Yoshimulactone Green (YLG) and also DiFMU, Coumarin, Scopoletin, Resorufin, derivatives. The parasite Striga hermonthica is causing severe yield losses of cereals in sub-Saharan Africa. The germination of Striga seeds relies on host-released strigolactones (SLs) signaling molecules. SL analogs are developped as 'suicidal germination agents'(The induction of Striga seeds germination in the absence of the host leads to the death of germinating parasite). (see other entries Strigolactone<\/A>)