Trends in strigolactone research

Abstract

Strigolactones （SLs） act as rhizosphere signaling molecules which induce seed germination of root-parasitic witchweeds and broomrapes, and stimulate the symbiotic interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal（AM） fungi.　SLs are important regulators of plant growth and development, including shoot and root architecture, germination, secondary growth and leaf senescence.　Scientists are working on the function of SLs in plant development, the molecular biology of their biosynthesis, transport, perception and downstream signaling, the chemistry of naturally occurring compounds and synthetic derivatives, and the role in interaction with AM fungi and parasitic weeds.　The 1st International Congress on Strigolactones was held in Wageningen, the Netherlands on 1st-6th March 2015, to exchange ideas and knowledge on SLs between different disciplines and to increase the solidarity and collaboration within the strigolactone community.