Novel Plant Growth Regulators

The Bioactives Lab is very interested in the discovery of natural metabolites regulating

plant growth, development, architecture and biotic interactions. Recently, we identified

several novel growth regulators, such as the hormone candidate zaxinone, and

anchorene. After the “discovery phase”, we want comprehensively understand the

mechanisms underlying the biological effect of these regulators, including perception,

signaling and metabolism. In addition, we explore the potential of the identified

regulators for application in agriculture and horticulture, aiming at increasing crop

performance. For example, we developed synthetic zaxinone mimics, MiZax, that show