Strigolactones: Biosynthesis, synthesis and functions in plant growth and stress responses

Abstract

Strigolactones, terpenoid lactones derived from carotenoids, are plant hormones with various biological roles. They act in both shoots and roots to regulate several aspects of plant growth and architecture. They also affect plant communication in the rhizosphere. In this chapter, we will present the role of strigolactones as plant hormones and highlight the known modes of strigolactone signalling and transport and their crosstalk with other plant hormones. Also, we will review growing bodies of evidence that strigolactones contribute to plant response to nutrient and light conditions. Furthermore, the recent development in strigolactone synthetic chemistry and their future applications for the benefit of agriculture will be discussed.