C6-green leaf volatiles trigger local and systemic VOC emissions in tomato

In response to insect feeding, tomato plants (Lycopersieon esculentum) release elevated levels of volatile organic compounds; that is, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are released both locally and systemically with wounding while C-6 green leaf volatiles are released only from damaged leaves, With the exogenous application (100 nmol) of the C-6-tomato-volatile (E)-2-hexenal, an increase in the release of local and systemic terpenes was-observed, while an equimolar amount of methyl jasmonate triggered only local emissions of terpenes. Labeling studies with (CO2)-C-13 showed that de novo synthesis was not required for monoterpene or sesquiterpene release immediately following chemical treatment or insect feeding. Comparative measurements were made between aldehyde doses applied to the plant and levels naturally released from leaves with insect damage. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.