Phytoparasite avoidance: Manipulation of strigolactone exudation, not biosynthesis.

Abstract

Strigolactones exuded from host plants induce the germination of phytoparasites. Recent studies demonstrate that knocking out ABCG transporter genes decreases strigolactone exudation and represses parasite seed germination with fewer negative impact on crop growth and yield compared with manipulating strigolactone biosynthesis, providing a novel approach to control parasitic plants.