Effects of methyl jasmonate on plant growth and leaf properties

摘要

Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can induce anatomical and chemical changes that are components of defence responses in plants. Particularly, MeJA is well-known to increase leaf trichome density to protect against insect herbivory, but surprisingly little is known about the effects of MeJA on other leaf properties and plant growth. Using sunflower (Helianthus annuus), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and soybean (Glycine max) treated with 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mM MeJA, we examined changes in leaf trichome density, stomatal density, cuticle thickness, cuticle composition, plant height, and biomass production. For all three plant species, MeJA (especially at the higher concentrations) caused significant decreases in plant height (up to 39%) and biomass (up to 79%). MeJA caused substantial increases in leaf trichome density (being 1.3-3.5-times higher) in all three species, with the magnitude of these effects increasing with MeJA concentration. However, we also observed that MeJA resulted in significant changes in cuticle composition and thickness, and stomatal density, although the magnitude of these changes was smaller relative to changes in trichome density. Specifically, high concentrations of MeJA increased the relative content of phenolic compounds and cutin in leaf cuticle while decreasing the relative content of polysaccharide. The changes in stomatal density varied with plant species and MeJA concentration. Also, MeJA increased cuticle thickness in tomato but decreased that in sunflower and soybean. Thus, studies investigating MeJA should also consider the importance of changes in other leaf properties and plant growth.