Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics unravel the extensive transfer of
bioactive compounds between rye and neighboring plants
Abstract
Translocation of metabolites between different plant species provides
important hints in understanding the fate of bioactive root exudates. In
the present study, targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry-based
metabolomics was applied to elucidate the transfer of bioactive
compounds between rye and several crops and weed species. Our results
demonstrated that benzoxinoids (BXs) synthesized by rye were taken up by
roots of neighboring plant species and translocated into their shoots.
Furthermore, we showed roots of the rye plant took up compounds
originating from neighboring plants. Among the compounds taken up by rye
roots, wogonin was detected in the rye shoot, which indicates the
root-to-shoot translocation of this compound. Elucidating the transfer
of bioactive compounds between plants is essential for understanding
plant-plant interactions, developing natural pesticides and
understanding their modes of action.