Coordinated and rapid whole‐plant systemic stomatal responses

Abstract

See also the Commentary on this article by McLachlan, 225: 5–6.

Systemic signalling, and the synchronization of stomatal response

“…We know that this protein is expressed in stomata and in the vasculature (Mustilli et al , ), and there is abundant research on the central role of OST1 in stomatal responses, but very little is known about its role in the vasculature. OST1 has previously been shown to play a role in high‐light induced gene expression (Galvez‐Valdivieso et al , ), suggesting its role in the responses investigated by Devireddy et al , ) may not be limited to stomatal function. Its placement in the vasculature and its role in transducing abscisic acid (ABA) responses would make it ideal for facilitating systemic signals.…”

“…‘Devireddy et al ( ) also presented evidence of a previously unsuspected role for RBOHD in stomatal opening.’…”

“…Plants therefore have to rapidly acclimate to the prevailing conditions in order to maintain optimal metabolic function and this acclimation process includes gene induction and changes in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), amongst other things (Mateo et al , ; Miller et al , ). In this issue of New Phytologist , Devireddy et al (; pp. 21–25) tested a range of mutants for their local and systemic stomatal responses to high‐light stress, wounding, heat and dark‐to‐light transition and showed that rapid systemic stomatal responses are a feature common to all these stimuli.

‘Devireddy et al ( ) also presented evidence of a previously unsuspected role for RBOHD in stomatal opening.’

…”

“…In this issue of New Phytologist , Devireddy et al (; pp. 21–25) tested a range of mutants for their local and systemic stomatal responses to high‐light stress, wounding, heat and dark‐to‐light transition and showed that rapid systemic stomatal responses are a feature common to all these stimuli.

‘Devireddy et al ( ) also presented evidence of a previously unsuspected role for RBOHD in stomatal opening.’

…”

“…Building on their previous work, Devireddy et al () examine various Arabidopsis mutants in an effort to build up a picture of the components required for rapid systemic stomatal responses. The responses can be divided into those that respond locally but fail to respond systemically, and those that do not respond locally or systemically.…”