Indole primes defence signalling and increases herbivore resistance in tea plants

Upon herbivore attack, plants emit herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). HIPVs can prime defences and resistance of intact plants. However, how HIPVs are decoded and translated into functional defence responses is not well understood, especially in long-lived woody plants. Here, we investigated the impact of the aromatic HIPV indole on defence-related early signalling, phytohormone accumulation, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and herbivore resistance in tea plants. We find that tea plants infested with tea geometrid caterpillars release indole at concentrations >450 ng*hr(-1). Exposure to corresponding doses of synthetic indole primes the expression of early defence genes involved in calcium (Ca2+) signalling, MPK signalling and jasmonate biosynthesis. Indole exposure also primes the production of jasmonates and defence-related secondary metabolites. These changes are associated with higher herbivore resistance of indole-exposed tea plants. Chemical inhibition of Ca2+ and jasmonate signalling provides evidence that both are required for indole-mediated defence priming and herbivore resistance. Our systematic assessment of the impact of indole on defence signalling and deployment shows that indole acts by boosting Ca2+ signalling, resulting in enhanced jasmonate-dependent defence and resistance in a woody plant. Our work extends the molecular basis of HIPV-induced defence priming from annual plants to an economically important tree species.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of the aromatic HIPV indole on signalling, hormone accumulation, secondary metabolites, and herbivore resistance in tea plants. Indole exposure boosts Ca2+ signalling, enhances jasmonate-dependent defense, and increases resistance to herbivores in tea plants. The research extends the understanding of HIPV-induced defense priming to economically important tree species.