Climate change can cause reed to thrive

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered why the tall, flowering reed (Phragmites australis) is one of the largest invasive plants in the United States.

The DELAWARE University team found that reeds can secrete chemicals that knock its victims down in an instant, and the toxins even become more toxic when there is ultraviolet light.

The study is said to be the first discovery of the effect of UV-B on plant antagonism - a plant that produces toxic chemicals to prevent the growing competition of other plants growing next to it. . Research results are published in June issue of Plant Signaling & Behavior.

The authors include: Thimmaraju RDelawarerappa, a doctor who taught at DELAWARE University, now a scientist of Dupont Company; Harsh Bais, professor of soil and grass science; Yong Seok Choi, PhD in Chemical Applications; Delphis Levia and David R. Legates, two associate professors in the Department of Geography; and Kelvin Lee, Applied Professor and director of DELAWARE University of Biotechnology.

The study was conducted in Delaware wetlands and in Bais's laboratory at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, a University of Delaware life science research center. 'The poison produced by reed is altered by sunlight - specifically ultraviolet rays - and causes high toxic effects on other plants,' Bais said.

'Our study also addresses questions about the increasing range of UV-B rays in the context of global warming. In the case of reed, this is an invasive plant that inadvertently takes advantage of climate change conditions to enhance its vitality and invasion, ' Bais said.

Harsh Bais (left), DELAWARE University Professor of Soil and Grass Research, and Dr. Thimmaraju RDelawarerappa, Ph.D., taught at DELAWARE University, currently working at DuPont, together checking reed patterns.(Photo: Delaware University provided)

Two years ago, Bais began a study and found that reed actively secreted gallic acid to kill plants and dominate the topsoil. Galic acid, also known as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, is a chemical used in tanning technology, producing dyes and inks, as an astringent and many applications. other.

In this study, the scientists found that galic acid produced by the reed ultraviolet light transformed into another poison, mesoxalic acid, capable of effectively attacking plants and plants with one blow. death.

Mesoxalic acid, like gallic acid, can destroy tubulin and actin as well as structural proteins of plant roots within minutes.

The team discovered the biological presence of mesoxalic acid in Delaware, particularly in both native and exotic reeds. The study of enduring vitality of this type of botanical toxin, especially in exotic reeds. It is for this reason that exotic reeds are overwhelming the local reed, making the native species increasingly threatened and likely to disappear from this country.

Walnut, pine, fern and sunflower are plants that also release harmful chemicals to prevent other plants from spreading to them.

However, reeds do not often use this strategy to prevent other species from spreading to them. Most of them use poison when they actively invade and occupy new lands, Bais said.

The project is funded by the Delaware University Research Foundation.

Refer:
Thimmaraju RDelawarerappa, Yong Seok Choi, Delphis F. Levia, David R. Legates, Kelvin H. Lee and Harsh P. Bais.Phragmites australis root secreted phytotoxin undergoes photo-degradation to execute severe phytotoxicity.Plant Signaling & Behavior, 2009;4 (6): 506-513