Effect of jasmonic acid on major terpenes and density of glandular trichomes in kunth (Verbenaceae).

The effect of exogenous application of jasmonic acid (JA) on the concentration of main terpenes and density of glandular trichomes was investigated in the Mexican oregano, propagated from seeds from 3 localities. JA 1 mM was applied locally and to the whole plant. JA locally applied increased the number of trichomes, with a mean of 20 trichomes more with respect to the controls in plants from Tecomavaca and Zapotitlán Salinas, and significantly increased the thymol concentration by 185% systemically and 255% locally, compared to the control. JA applied to the whole plant decreased the number of trichomes and increased the concentration of caryophyllene from 0.79 to 1.7 mg g, and α-caryophyllene from 0.3 to 0.8 mg g in plants from San Rafael with reference to water control. The results suggest a plasticity of morphologic and phytochemical responses, and a potential use of JA to improve phenolic monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes production.