Interactions between aboveground and belowground induction of glucosinolates in two wild Brassica species

Interactions between shoot and root induction of glucosinolates in two crucifers, Brassica oleracea and B. nigra, were studied by applying the signalling hormones jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). JA application increased total shoot glucosinolate levels 1.5-3 times, but total root levels did not increase. Only root JA-application yielded a systemic response. In B. oleracea it mattered where JA was applied: root application increased aliphatic glucosinolates in the shoot, whereas shoot application increased indole glucosinolates. Plants treated with JA to both organs had profiles similar to shoot-treated plants. SA-application did not disturb the organ-specific response to JA. Increases in glucosinolate levels did not reduce plant biomass. A applications reduced root glucosinolates in root-treated plants. SA root-application in B. nigra resulted in lesions on the leaves and shoot-application caused a trichome response. Plants thus respond specifically, depending on the organ that is induced and the hormone that is applied. We find a large potential for root-feeders to affect shoot-feeders. Glucosinolate induction in one organ is not constrained by induction in the other organ.