Strigolactones - Biology and Applications

This book describes the exciting biology and chemistry of strigolactones. Outgrowth of shoot branches? Development of lateral roots? Interactions with beneficial microorganisms? Avoiding parasitic plants? Responding to drought conditions? These important "decisions" that plants make are all regulated by a group of hormones called strigolactones.
The latest research has yielded a number of new biological concepts, such as a redefinition of plant hormones and their crosstalk, new functional diversity of receptors, hormonal "smoke and mirrors," core signaling pathways, and even phloem transport of receptor proteins. Another important aspect of strigolactones is the related synthetic chemistry, which could pave the way for a variety of potential applications in agriculture and medicine.
The book explains in detail the role that strigolactones play in plant development, and addresses the interaction of plants with soil biota and abiotic stress conditions, prospects of strigolactone biochemistry and evolution, and chemical synthesis of natural strigolactones and analogs, together with their potential applications. Including a glossary and end-of-chapter synopses to aid in comprehension, it offers a valuable asset for teachers, lecturers and (post-) graduate students in biology, agronomy and related areas..

Prof. Hinanit Koltai has been a Senior Research Scientist at the Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel, since 2001. She is a member of the International Parasitic Plant Society, and serves on the Editorial Boards of several international scientific journals. In addition, Prof. Koltai is the author of more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, including more than 30 book chapters.
Prof. Cristina Prandi is a Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Torino, where she also serves as Deputy Director for Research. Her main interests are in organometallic chemistry, gold catalysis and target oriented synthesis. She has conducted research on the synthesis of bioactive phytohormone analogues, focusing on SAR (Structure Activity Relationship) studies and the design of active derivatives. Recently, she has also investigated the use of plant metabolite analogues for their potential anticancer benefits. She is the author of more than 100 scientific publications and holds three patents.
Prof. C. Prandi and H. Koltai chaired a COST ACTION exclusively dedicated to strigolactones (FA1206 2012-2017, Strigolactones, biological roles and applications).