Other isoprenoid compounds present in plants are terpenes and latex. Terpenes, with 10 to 15 carbon atoms, are called essential oils and include compounds such as menthol and turpentine. Rubber is a terpenoid polymer consisting of 3000 or more subunits. There are a number of reports showing that ethylene can decrease or increase the levels of these isoprenoids. A decrease in essential oil yield of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and an increase in growth and oil yield of sage (Salvia officinalis) were observed after ethephon treatment (ELK86285). In general, ethylene increases terpenoid production. The terpenoids, phytuberin and phytuberol, were found to increase in ethylene-treated solanaceous potato (HEN78857) and tobacco (UEG80543) plants. These compounds are thought to have phytoalexin activity. Ethephon was shown to increase oleoresin yields in various pines (MCR85170). Ethylene, acetylene, and ethephon increased the rate of latex flow in rubber trees (ABR68291). The means by which latex flow is enhanced is not known. The enhanced production of latex by ethephon has become a commercial practice.
đang được dịch, vui lòng đợi..
