Data from: Far red light increases maize volatile emissions in response to volatile cues from neighboring plants

Plants perceive the presence and defense status of their neighbors through
light and volatile cues, but how plants integrate both stimuli is poorly
understood. We investigated if and how low Red to Far red light (R:FR)
ratios, indicative of shading or canopy closure, affect maize (Zea mays)
responses to herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), including the
green leaf volatile (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate. We modulated light signaling
and perception by using FR supplementation and a phyB1phyB2 mutant, and we
determined volatile release as a response readout. To gain mechanistic
insights, we examined expression of volatile biosynthesis genes, hormone
accumulation, and photosynthesis. Exposure to a full blend of HIPVs or
(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate induced maize volatile release. Short-term FR
supplementation increased this response. In contrast, prolonged FR
supplementation or constitutive phytochrome B inactivation in phyB1phyB2
plants showed the opposite response. Short-term FR supplementation
enhanced photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and (Z)-3-hexenyl
acetate-induced JA-Ile levels. We conclude that a FR-enriched light
environment can prompt maize plants to respond more strongly to HIPVs
emitted by neighbors, which might be explained by changes in
photosynthetic processes and phytochrome B signaling. Our findings reveal
interactive responses to light and volatile cues with potentially
important consequences for plant-plant and plant-herbivore interactions.