Control of Plant Nematodes by Terpenoids

Terpenoids, an umbrella term for terpenes and their derivatives are likely the most diverse plant secondary metabolites, with more than 60,000 compounds already identified. Terpenes are formed by condensing two or more activated isoprene units (C5 building blocks), either isopentenyl pyrophosphate or its isomer dimethylallyl pyrophosphate. Depending on the number of C5 building blocks involved, this condensation can lead to the formation of a C10 (monoterpene), C15 (sesquiterpene), or C20 (diterpene) terpene. Sesqui- and diterpene units can, in turn undergo head-to-head condensation to form C30 (triterpenes) or C40 units (tetraterpenes).

Lifeasible offers comprehensive services covering various cutting-edge technologies to advance your projects. Our scientists have developed a series of innovative solutions to help analyze the role of terpenoids in the biological control of plant nematodes.

Analysis of the Gossypol and Its Derivatives

• The most widely studied group of terpenoids in plant-nematode interactions are the terpenoid aldehydes (TAs) of cotton, which include gossypol and its derivatives. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound but is included under terpenoids owing to its biosynthesis; it is formed by oxidative coupling of two repeatedly oxidized sesquiterpene units.

Fig.1 Types of various terpenoids.

• Lifeasible provides analysis services of the gossypol against plant nematodes, including determination and histological analysis of gossypol content during nematode infection, expression analysis of gossypol-related genes, key gene identification services, etc. Moreover, we also compare and analyze the role of methylated TAs in killing nematodes, which include 6-O-methylgossypol and 6-O,6'-O-dimethylgossypol in cotton.
• Apart from having direct anti-nematode effects, terpenoids are indirectly involved in plant-nematode interactions by acting as plant hormones. We also help our clients analyze the varying roles of terpenoids in plant resistance to nematodes, including abscisic acid and the brassinosteroids derived from a tetraterpenoid, and the various gibberellins from diterpenoids.

Analysis of the Saponins

• Saponins are plant secondary metabolites defined as glycosides of a C30 terpenoid. A major example of saponins with roles in plant defense is the toxic glycoalkaloids, including α-tomatine, α-solanine, and α-chaconine.
• Lifeasible provides analysis services of the saponins against plant nematodes, such as the effect of different concentrations and compositions on nematode growth, analysis of the relative gene expression of saponins, and the mechanism in the processing of resistance to nematodes.

Lifeasible has extensive experience and expertise in plant science. We are committed to providing you with timely and high-quality deliverables. At the same time, we guarantee the cost-effectiveness, completeness, and simplicity of the report. If you are interested in our services or have any questions, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.