Perception of strigolactones by parasitic plant Striga

Abstract

A parasitic plant Striga hermonthica has been causing huge damages to crop productions in African countries. A feasible method to prevent Striga infestation is to manipulate the host-parasite interaction by small molecules. Plant hormone strigolactones have been attractive targets since their first discovery as host-derived germination stimulants for Striga, although how Striga seeds sense strigolactones have long been unknown. Recent discovery of strigolactone receptors in Striga unveiled unique mechanism of strigolactone perceptions, and raises a hope to develop herbicides through rational design of small molecules. Here I review recent state of strigolactone research in Striga.