Carotenoids are characterized by a conjugated double bond system responsible for their vital role in photosynthesis and their colors. This system is also the basis for the function of carotenoids as a platform for the formation of various important compounds, such as retinal, abscisic acid and other signaling molecules. A further example is represented by strigolactones, a novel class of plant hormones that also mediate rhizospheric interactions with root parasitic weeds and mycorrhizal fungi. Carotenoid-derived compounds (apocarotenoids) arise by oxidative cleavage of double bonds, which is catalyzed by Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases (CCDs). CCDs produce compounds with different physicochemical characteristics and biological functions, depending on the site of cleavage. The strigolactone biosynthesis enzyme CCD8 is unusual CCD since it catalyzes the cleavage of a single bond, in combination with other different reactions. In this talk, we will give an overview about apocarotenoid formation, focusing on the biosynthesis of striglactones. We will also show how basic knowledge about this pathway can be applied to combat root parasitic weeds.
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