Biological research
Leaf wound compounds real-time measurement and monitoring
In nature reactions often happen very fast. Common
methods of analyzing compounds released when
leaves are wounded do not have the capability to
monitor reactions of the plants in a time resolution high
enough to reveal underlying reaction sequences.
Leaf wounding and the subsequent interactions between animals and plants can be analyzed in real time without the loss of precious information on the details, using our PTR-MS instruments.
PTR-MS measurement has been used when analyzing
VOC emission after leaf cutting. Similar compounds
are emitted from different plants: for example "greenleaf
volatiles", C6-aldehydes, alcohols, terpenoids and
phenolic compounds.
Plant defense mechanisms - monitored with PTR-MS
Plants have many enemies in nature and have learned over
the time to defend themselves.
Apart from direct defense mechanisms like toxins, digestibility
reducers, and other deterrents there exist also indirect
mechanisms involving the third trophic level: indicating
herbivore attack with release of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
Picture: Held*
Scientists* have shown that plants under attack from
caterpillars, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Volicitin in the saliva of caterpillars induces defense genes
leading to the formation of indole and other VOCs which attract
wasps. The wasps use the caterpillars in their reproduction
cycle and by that, do a favor to the plants.
*Dr. Ted Turlings, Dr. Matthias Held,
Université de Neuchâtel.
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