Smoke-derived butenolide: Towards understanding its biological effects

The smoke-derived butenolide, 3-methyl-2H-furo[2,3-c]pyran-2-one, is a simple organic compound that can increase both the level and rate of seed germination, widen the environmental range over which germination can occur and have a positive effect on seedling vigour. Consequently, butenolide has a wide range of potential applications spanning horticulture, weed control and ecological restoration. Here we review the isolation and identification of this compound from plant-derived smoke, its effects on plants and the Current state of knowledge on possible mode of action, as well as impacts it may have in the natural environment. (C) 2008 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.