Two terpene synthases are responsible for the major sesquiterpenes emitted from the flowers of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa).

ABSTRACT: Kiwifruit vines rely on bees for pollen transfer between spatially separated male and female individuals and require synchronized flowering to ensure pollination. Volatile terpene compounds, which are important cues for insect pollinator attraction, were studied by dynamic headspace sampling in the major green-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) cultivar 'Hayward' and its male pollinator 'Chieftain'. Terpene volatile levels showed a profile dominated by the sesquiterpenes alpha-farnesene and germacrene D. These two compounds were emitted by all floral tissues and could be observed throughout the day, with lower levels at night. The monoterpene (E)-beta-ocimene was also detected in flowers but was emitted predominantly during the day and only from petal tissue. Using a functional genomi

SUBMITTER: Nieuwenhuizen NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2718223 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature