Signaling mechanisms and agricultural applications of (Z)-3-Hexenyl Butyrate-mediated stomatal closure

Biotic and abiotic stresses can severely limit crop productivity. In response to drought, plants close stomata to prevent water loss. Besides, stomata are considered the main entrance of several pathogens. Therefore, the development of natural products to control stomata closure can be considered a sustainable strategy to cope with stresses in agriculture. Plants respond to different stresses by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Green leaf volatiles (GLVs), which are commonly produced across different plant species after tissue damage, comprise an important group within VOCs. Among them, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB) was described as a natural inducer of stomatal closure, playing an important role in stomatal immunity, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. Here, through different genetic, pharmacological, and biochemical approaches, we uncover that HB perception initiates various defense signaling events such as activation of Ca2+ permeable channels, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MPKs) and production of NADPH oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, HB-mediated stomata closure resulted to be independent of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signaling. Additionally, exogenous treatments with HB alleviate water stress and improve fruit productivity in tomato plants. The efficacy of HB was also tested under open field conditions, leading to enhanced resistance against Phytophthora spp. and Pseudomonas syringae infection in potato and tomato plants, respectively. Taken together, our results provide insights into HB signaling transduction pathway, confirming its role in stomatal closure and plant immune system activation, and proposing HB as a new phytoprotectant for the sustainable control of biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture.