Host: Professor Salim Al-Babili

Abstract:
Strigolactones (SLs) are apocarotenoid-derived plant hormones that regulate various physiological processes and serve as germination stimulants for root parasitic weeds such as Orobanche and Striga. These weeds cause severe agricultural damage by parasitizing host plants, making their control a critical issue. Given that SLs play a key role in inducing seed germination of these parasitic plants, understanding their biosynthetic pathways is essential for developing sustainable weed management strategies.
Our recent studies have revealed new insights into the stereoselective biosynthesis of canonical SLs, particularly the formation of the characteristic tricyclic ABC scaffold. We have identified the involvement of dirigent proteins (DIRs) in this process, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying SL structural diversification. In this talk, I will discuss the biosynthetic pathways of SLs, their chemical diversity, and potential applications for controlling root parasitic weeds.

Bio:
Takatoshi Wakabayashi is an Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

He obtained his Ph.D. from Osaka University in 2015 and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Kobe University (2017–2020) and Osaka Metropolitan University (2022–2023). He was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo in 2023.

During his doctoral studies, he focused on sugar metabolism during Orobanche germination. Later, he expanded his research to the biosynthesis of strigolactones. His research aims to develop sustainable strategies for controlling root parasitic weeds by utilizing and modifying plant-derived chemical molecules.