Jasmonate

Jasmonate (JA) and its derivatives are lipid-based hormone signals that regulate a wide range of processes in plants, ranging from growth and photosynthesis to reproductive development. In particular, JAs are critical for plant defense against herbivory and plant responses to poor environmental conditions and other kinds of abiotic and biotic challenges. Reminiscent of talking trees in fiction, some JAs can also be released as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to permit communication between plants in anticipation of mutual dangers.