Broad mites activate jasmonic acid biosynthesis genes in azalea

Abstract: In Rhododendron simsii hybrids or pot azaleas, damage caused by broad mites has become an increasing problem in recent years. Therefore, new strategies to control broad mites are currently investigated. One potential new strategy consists of eliciting induced resistance in pot azalea by applying the natural hormone jasmonic acid (JA) or a synthetically produced derivate. Here we present the first results in which we show induction of JA biosynthesis genes after application of chemical inducers or during broad mite infection. Furthermore, in preliminary experiments we evaluated the direct effect of JA induction on the broad mite in the laboratory.