EFFECT OF LIGHT ON DIMBOA-GLUCOSIDE CONCENTRATION IN WHEAT (TRITICUM-AESTIVUM L)

DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) glucoside in wheat has been suggested to play a role in plant resistance to cereal aphids. Thus there is considerable interest in trying to breed modern wheat varieties with increased concentrations of this compound. To further such work we assessed the effects of light intensity on DIMBOA glucoside production in wheat seedlings under both indoor and outdoor conditions. Light had a marked effect on DIMBOA-glucoside concentrations, with levels in plants being negatively related to light intensity. Our findings suggest that breeding aimed at increasing levels of DIMBOA-glucoside would be most effective if test plants for selection were to be grown under weak light conditions.