Jasmonates: The Fine-Tuning Bio-regulators and Their Crosstalk with Plant Reproductive Biology

Jasmonates [free jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) conjugates] are ubiquitous lipid-derived phytohormones in the plant kingdom. So far, innumerable regulators of plant growth and development have been recognized, amongst which small Jasmonate molecules are the potential regulators. The fundamental and critical roles of Jasmonate internal signals include plant growth and development and survival aspects of plant biology by defending against various biotic and abiotic stresses. During biotic and abiotic stress conditions, plants prioritize JA-mediated defense over growth and development for survival by significant inhibition of plant growth. Jasmonates also act as central players in the biology of plant reproduction of normal growing healthy plants. Genes of jasmonate biosynthetic pathway show floral organ-specific expression. Jasmonateʼs most prominent function in plant development includes the regulation of various aspects of reproductive growth and development and formation and differentiation of reproductive organs such as, floral buds, flower, androecium and gynoecium, embryo, tassels and spikelets, expansion of flower petals, maturation of viable pollen grains and/or their germination, dehiscence of anthers, fruit coloration by production of anthocyanin pigments, fruit ripening, volatile aroma of fruits, seed germination and maturation, delay of flowering and sex determination in monoecious plants.