Production of the Seed Germination Stimulant Karrikinolide from Combustion of Simple Carbohydrates

The naturally occurring seed germination stimulant karrikinolide is formed from the combustion of plant material including cellulose. It has previously been reported that combustion of simple carbohydrates such as D-glucose does not produce extracts containing karrikinolide. Moreover, it was reported that extracts with germination-promoting ability could be obtained only by combustion of simple carbohydrates in the presence of amino acids such as L-glycine. By employing a (13)C-labeled karrikinolide to physically quantify natural karrikinolide, we now show that it is produced from combustion of simple carbohydrates in similar amounts regardless of whether L-glycine is present or not. The addition of L-glycine appears to be beneficial in reducing the inhibitory effect of smoke extracts and provides a greater concentration range for effective germination-promoting activity.