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Foliar phase changes are coupled with changes in storage and biochemistry of monoterpenoids in western redcedar (Thuja plicata)

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Abstract

Key message

The monoterpenoid content of Thuja plicata needles and scales differs both quantitatively and qualitatively. Resin storage structures are associated with anatomical modifications that suggest facilitated exit of monoterpenoids.

Abstract

Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) is a highly valued source of lumber. T. plicata trees planted in reforestations efforts are often heavily damaged by extensive ungulate browsing. Research has shown that high foliar content of monoterpenoids deters browsing, providing an avenue for resistance selection in young plants. T. plicata foliage undergoes, however, extensive phase changes during early growth. Currently it is unknown whether the anatomical basis of monoterpenoid storage and release, and the content and composition of stored monoterpenoids, also change at the same time. Here, we studied these aspects of T. plicata seedling biology. Cotyledons lack storage structures for terpenoids. Needles contain a single longitudinal terpenoid duct with (+)-sabinene and (−)-α-pinene as prevalent monoterpenoids. In contrast, scales contain enclosed resin glands and have a monoterpenoid profile that is markedly different from needles, with α-thujone as the most prevalent monoterpenoid and no detectable levels of (−)-α-pinene. Both ducts and glands are close to the epidermis and vascular tissues, frequently companioned by gaps in the sub-epidermal fiber layer, suggesting paths of facilitated diffusion of monoterpenoids out of tissues. We conclude that foliar phase changes are coupled with equally significant changes in resin storage structure anatomy, monoterpenoid levels and composition. Our findings provide a framework for reproducible sampling and selection not only for high levels of monoterpenoids but also for anatomical markers that may affect release of these compounds.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. John Russell for introducing us to the “problem” of resin production in T. plicata foliage and anonymous reviewers for constructive comments on the manuscript.

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Author notes

  1. Adam J. Foster

    Present address: Grain and Oil Seed Pathology, Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 440 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4N6, Canada

  2. Mario Fidanza

    Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada

    Adam J. Foster, Mario Fidanza, Regine Gries, Gerhard Gries & Jim Mattsson

  2. Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Roni Aloni

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  1. Adam J. Foster
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Correspondence to Jim Mattsson.

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Communicated by A. Gessler.

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Foster, A.J., Aloni, R., Fidanza, M. et al. Foliar phase changes are coupled with changes in storage and biochemistry of monoterpenoids in western redcedar (Thuja plicata). Trees 30, 1361–1375 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-016-1373-x

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