R. Katoch, A. S. Mann, B. S. Sohal
Sep 13, 2005
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Journal
Journal of Vegetable Science
Abstract
ABSTRACT Accumulation of phytoalexin is a host defense mechanism against invading pathogens. It is not clear if phytoalexins can be produced in sufficient quantity by exogenous treatment of plants with elicitors. Salicylic acid (SA) was applied at 1, or 3 or 5 mM concentrations to eight-week-old pea plants to determine if it could induce the synthesis of pisatin, the pea phytoalexin. Other plants were inoculated with Erysiphe polygoni. There was an increase in the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and phenolic contents in plants treated with SA and spores of E. polygoni. Plants treated with 1 and 3 mM SA showed minor variations in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and phenolic contents and did not accumulate detectable amounts of pisatin. Treatment with 5 mM SA increased pisatin and phenolic contents in susceptible pea plants.