Poplar communication with the environment

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Terpenes (≡isoprenoids) are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants but their ecological functions are not fully understood. Poplars are strong isoprene emitters. In preceding studies we have constructed non-isoprene emitting poplars and started with their characterization. We have also constructed poplars expressing pinene synthase. We aim to study the role of isoprene and monoterpenes in herbivore and mycorrhizal interactions. In addition to wild type poplar plants (isoprene and non-monoterpene emitters) we will make use of transgenic poplar lines, that are either non-isoprene emitters or non-isoprene, but constitutive monoterpene emitters. The influence of the VOC emission on the interaction with herbivores and/or ectomycorrhizal fungi will be studied under laboratory, green house and open air conditions. Furthermore, it will be investigated how attack by herbivores affects the survival of ectomycorrhizal fungi or pathogenic fungi and vice versa, and how EM changes the VOC blend emitted by the plants and the performance of leaf feeding insects. Responses of the plant and the ectomycorrhiza will be studied on a molecular level. The results of these studies will provide important knowledge about poplar interaction and defense from herbivory.