Exogenous ACC enhances volatiles production mediated by jasmonic acid in lima bean leaves

We report the synergistic effects of exogenous I-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxy lie acid (ACC) and jasmonic acid (JA) on production of induced volatiles by excised lima bean leaves. Application of ACC alone to leaves induced trace amounts of volatiles. ACC positively affected three JA-induced volatiles, (E)- and (Z)-beta -ocimene, and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. The ethylene inhibitor, silver thiosulfate, inhibited the production of these compounds. The results suggest synergistic effects of JA and ACC on inducible volatile production by lima bean leaves. Furthermore, lima bean leaves treated with JA plus ACC became more attractive to predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, than those treated with JA alone. (C) 2001 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.