New article on glyphosate effects on plant defense and species interactions

Fuchs, B., Saikkonen, K., Helander, M. 2021: Glyphosate-modulated biosynthesis driving plant defense and species interactions. Trends in Plant Science 26(4): 312-323, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2020.11.004

Highlights

Residues of glyphosate, a potent herbicide, are increasingly found in diverse environments.

Glyphosate residues in soil alter plant physiological processes; however, their effects on plant defense strategies and subsequent species interactions are poorly understood.

Glyphosate inhibition of the shikimate pathway affects plant defense-related phytohormones and the phenylpropanoid pathway, the basis for many phytoalexins.

Glyphosate affects lipid peroxidation, which alters jasmonic acid levels and green leaf volatiles, in turn, important players mediating many trophic interactions and pollinator attraction.

By changing the plant biochemistry, glyphosate residues in soil have the potential to alter plant interactions with herbivores and mutualistic organisms.

Outstanding questions

How do glyphosate residues in soil affect phytohormone crosstalk and plant defense responses against different types of plant herbivores and pathogens?

Do glyphosate residues differentially affect SA-mediated and JA-mediated plant defense responses?

How do glyphosate residues in soil affect defense responses that are biosynthesized independent of the shikimate pathway?

What mechanism accounts for glyphosate-mediated repression of the lipoxygenase pathway?

To what extent do glyphosate residues in soil affect the relationship between plants and symbiotic microorganisms?

How do glyphosate residues in soil affect plant volatile-mediated indirect plant defense responses and pollination?

How do glyphosate residues in soil affect multitrophic interactions important for integrated pest management?

To the article