Shoot branching is regulated by hormones. Branching mutants in several plant species suggests the existence of a plant hormone that is released from the roots and prevents excessive shoot branching. This paper reports on one of two studies that show that a class of chemical compounds called strigolactones found in root exudates are reduced in the branching mutants and that external application of these chemicals inhibits shoot branching in the mutants. It is proposed that strigolactones or related metabolites are the sought after class of hormones.
- Victoria Gomez-Roldan
- Soraya Fermas
- Soizic F. Rochange
