Strigolactones are a class of plant hormones that regulate growth, development, and interactions between roots and soil organisms. They are produced primarily in roots and transported throughout the plant, where they help control shoot branching, root architecture, and the allocation of resources between above-ground and below-ground growth.
In the soil, strigolactones act as signaling molecules released through root exudates. They stimulate the growth and branching of mycorrhizal fungal hyphae, helping establish symbiotic relationships that improve nutrient and water acquisition. Plants often increase strigolactone production when phosphorus availability is low, enhancing their ability to recruit beneficial fungi.
Strigolactones can also trigger the germination of certain parasitic plants, such as species of broomrape and witchweed, which evolved to detect these signals as indicators that a host plant is nearby.
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