A change of phenolic acids content in poplar leaves induced by methyl salicylate and methyl jasmonate

The contents of seven different phenolic acids such as gallic acid, catechinic acid, pyrocatechol, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid and benzoic acid in the poplar leaves (Populus Simonii × Populus Pyramibalis c. v and Populus deltoids) suffocated by Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and Methyl salicylate (MeSA) were monitored for analyzing their functions in interplant communications by using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the contents of phenolic acids had obviously difference in leaves exposed to either MeSA or MeJA. When P.deltoides leaves exposed to MeJA or MeSA, the level of gallic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and benzoic acid was increased, gallic acid in leaves treated with MeJA comes to a peak at 24 h while to a peak at 12-d having leaves treated with MeSA. When P. Simonii × P. Pyramibalis c. v leaves were exposed to MeJA or MeSA, the level of gallic acid, pyrocatechol and ferulic acid was increased; The catechinic acid and benzoic acid had a little drop; The caffeic acid and coumaric acid were undetected in both suffocated and control leaves. This changed pattern indicated that MeJA and MeSA can act as airborne signals to induce defense response of plants.