Chemical control of stomatal function and development

Abstract

Stomata control trade-offs for plants: carbon dioxide uptake for photosynthetic growth and water loss via transpiration. While agrochemical control of transpiration is an old concept, recent discoveries of the core signaling components controlling stomatal function and numbers opened the door to develop chemical compounds with high potency and specificity. ABA agonists with potent anti-transpiration activity have been developed via in silico virtual screens and structure guided design and synthesis. Library-based chemical screens identified new compounds that influence stomatal movement in ABA-independent manners as well as those affecting stomatal numbers and division polarity. Subsequent hit compound derivatization can be employed to separate adverse side effects. Ultimately, such chemicals might help in optimizing plant productivity and water use in agriculture and florist industries.