Academic Staff

Plants are immobile and face environmental stresses such as drought, high temperatures, and pests. To cope with these challenges, plants have evolved chemical defenses, particularly by producing volatile compounds (aromatic substances). These volatile compounds help in survival by deterring herbivorous insects and exhibiting antimicrobial activity against pathogens. Many plants bind these volatile compounds to sugars, storing them as glycosidically bound volatiles (GBVs) in a stable form. When the plant is attacked, GBVs are converted into volatile compounds through the action of plant-derived glycoside hydrolases, initiating a chemical defense response. Our research aims to enhance the productivity of crops resistant to environmental stresses by utilizing aromatic substances and GBVs, focusing on the exploration of stress management compounds and elucidating their mechanisms. This approach contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture and the improvement of food quality.