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Abstract Isoprene, a volatile hydrocarbon, is typically emitted from the leaves of many plant species. Given its well‐known function in plant growth and defense aboveground, we examined its effects on root physiology. We used isoprene‐emitting (IE) lines and a non‐emitting (NE) line of Arabidopsis and investigated their performance by analyzing root phenotype, hormone levels, transcriptome, and metabolite profiles under both normal and salt stress conditions. We show that IE lines emitted tiny amounts of isoprene from roots and showed an increased root/shoot ratio compared with NE line. Isoprene emission exerted a noteworthy influence on hormone profiles related to plant growth and stress response, promoting root development and salt‐stress resistance. Methyl erythritol 4‐phosphate pathway metabolites, precursors of isoprene and hormones, were higher in the roots of IE lines than in the NE line. Transcriptome data indicated that the presence of isoprene increased the expression of key genes involved in hormone metabolism/signaling. Our findings reveal that constitutive root isoprene emission sustains root growth under saline conditions by regulating and/or priming hormone biosynthesis and signaling mechanisms and expression of key genes relevant to salt stress defense.
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This content will become publicly available on April 18, 2026
Isoprene deters insect herbivory by priming plant hormone responses
Isoprene, emitted by some plants, deters insect herbivory. However, the associated biochemical and physiological responses that confer herbivory resistance remain unknown. We used engineered isoprene-emitting (IE) and non-emitting (NE) control tobacco plants to interpret isoprene-mediated defense against herbivory in plants. Hornworm larvae raised on IE plants exhibited stunted growth compared to those raised on NE plants. Worms preferred to feed on NE rather than IE leaves, indicating deterrent effects of isoprene on insect feeding. Worm feeding induced a greater increase in jasmonic acid (JA), a crucial hormone for insect resistance, in IE leaves compared to that in NE leaves. Assimilation rates were stably maintained in IE plants, suggesting a protective role of isoprene in preserving photosynthetic efficiency during insect herbivory. Wound-induced increase in isoprene emission correlated with the elevation of key metabolites of the isoprene biosynthesis pathway. Our results highlight JA-priming functions of isoprene and provide insights into isoprene-mediated defense against insect herbivory.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2022495
- PAR ID:
- 10639342
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Science Advances
- Volume:
- 11
- Issue:
- 16
- ISSN:
- 2375-2548
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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