Effect of endophytes on Anethum graveolens (dill), synthesis of volatile organic compounds

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are emitted from plants and interact with the plants environment in various ways. Terpenes are the most widely released plant VOC’s, and specifically monoterpenes play a key role in the interactions between plants and insects. In Anethum graveolens (dill), methyl eugenol and limonene, are volatile compounds that attract various pollinators to the plant. Endophytes have been discovered to live symbiotically with various plants, but little is known regarding their role in the synthesis of volatile organic compounds. We propose that the presence of endophytes in Anethum graveolens (dill) will increase the synthesis of these secondary metabolites. Dill plants will be grown under four growth conditions: 1) sterile seeds and sterile soil, 2) unsterile seeds and sterile soil, 3) unsterile seeds and sterile soil, 4) unsterile seeds and unsterile soil. After maturation of the plants, floral organs will be sampled to examine gene expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of methyl eugenol and limonene. The molecular data will be analyzed to determine the effect of the endophytes on the synthesis of these volatile organic compounds. Understanding the effect of endophytes on the synthesis of VOC\u27s could potentially be used to address multiple agricultural and ecological issues regarding pollination