Figure 4.

Effect of CNL-RNAi Suppression on CNL Expression, Emission, and Internal Pools of Benzenoid/Phenylpropanoid Compounds in Corollas of Petunia Flowers.

CNL mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR in corollas of control (C; white bars) and three independent CNL RNAi lines (1, 3, and 17, black bars) harvested at 3 pm, 2 d postanthesis (top left corner). Expression values for transgenic lines are shown as a percentage of CNL expression in control petals, which is set at 100%. Data are means ± se (n = 3 biological replicates). Emission rates of volatile compounds are shown in the graphs with white backgrounds, while internal pools for the corresponding volatiles are shown in the graphs with gray backgrounds. Scent collections were performed from detached flowers 2 d postanthesis for 12 h starting at 8 pm. Emission rates are expressed on a per hour basis assuming a constant emission rate over the 12-h period. Tissue for internal pools was collected at 8 pm. Data are means ± se (n ≥ 10 biological replicates). *P < 0.01 and **P < 0.05 by Student's t test of transgenics relative to control. FW, fresh weight.