Monoterpene biosynthesis induction in Origanum x majoricum by soil bacteria.

BANCHIO, E., SANTORO, M., BOGINO, P., GIORDANO, W.

Tours, Francia

Congreso; 26th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE),; 2010

International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE)

Italian oregano (Origanum x majoricum) was subjected to root system inoculation with three species of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Azospirillum brasilense), and essential oil (EO) content and plant growth were measured. Composition of monoterpenes, a major EO component, was analyzed qualitative and quantitatively by gas chromatography. Plants inoculated with P. fluorescens and A. brasilense showed a 2.5-fold increase in EO yield relative to controls, without change of oil composition. The major EO compounds showed increased biosynthesis. Plant growth parameters (shoot and root fresh and dry weights, numbers of leaves and nodes) were evaluated. Shoot fresh weight was significantly increased by all three PGPR species, but only P. fluorescens and A. brasilense increased root dry weight. These two species have clear commercial potential for economic cultivation of O. x majoricum. Knowledge of the factors affecting yield and accumulation of monoterpenes is essential for improving production of these economically important plant compounds.