Progress in utilizing plant-derived smoke water and smoke-derived KAR1 in plant tissue culture

Abstract

Plant-derived smoke, its water extract—the smoke water (SW) and karrikinolide (KAR1) isolated from smoke or synthesized from different substrates stimulate germination of dormant and non-dormant seeds of plants from fire-prone and fire-free areas, including horticultural crops, agricultural crops and weeds. Both SW and KAR1 can be successfully used in in vitro cultures. They are able to stimulate pollen germination and growth of tubes. Growth of callus, efficiency of somatic embryogenesis, germination of somatic embryos and its conversion to plantlets are also positively affected by SW or KAR1. SW can stimulate seed germination in vitro, promote extension of primary root section and increase frequency for initiation of lateral roots. SW and KAR1 can be used as elicitors to increase production of secondary metabolites. This article describes discovery of biological activity of SW and KAR1 and provides an overview research on use of above factors in tissue and organ culture. The similarity of signaling pathways of karrikins compared to strigolactones or gibberellins is also discussed.