Conferring resistance to parasitic witchweed by shifting strigolactone biosynthesis

Strigolactones from the exudates of maize root induce germination of the parasitic witchweed Striga. Recently, Li et al. characterized the biosynthesis pathway of two strigolactones, zealactol and zealactonoic acid, which induce less Striga germination than the major maize strigolactone, zealactone. This study provides a promising strategy for plant protection against parasitic witchweed.

Automated summary

Strigolactones from maize root exudates promote the germination of parasitic witchweed Striga. Li et al. recently identified the biosynthesis pathway of two less effective strigolactones, zealactol and zealactonoic acid, compared to the major maize strigolactone, zealactone. This study offers a promising approach for plant protection against parasitic witchweed.