Accumulation of azafrin in the root apoplast of the medicinal plant <i>Escobedia grandiflora</i> might play a role in parasitism

Societal Impact Statement Escobedia grandiflora is a medicinal hemiparasite that occurs naturally in non-forested communities Central and South America. Parasitic plants accumulate high levels of water-soluble orange pigment roots was once among the most important food dyes Andean region. We conclusively address chemical identification this provide molecular cellular insights on its biosynthesis possible function. Summary The herbaceous (Orobanchaceae) used traditional medicine an with significant relevance as cooking dye exhibits antioxidant cardioprotective properties. Here, we aimed to confirm identity investigate function roots. combined metabolic cytological analyses de novo transcriptome assembly, gene expression studies, phylogenetic analyses. shown be azafrin, apocarotenoid likely derived from cleavage β-carotene. RNA-seq supported by multispecies comparative analysis qRT-PCR allowed propose candidate genes for production azafrin also showed delivered root apoplast it accumulates area where haustorium contacts host's root. Our data suggest might rely carotenoid dioxygenase (CCD) different CCD7 parasitism process. Together, our work represents unprecedented step forward understanding parasitization system.