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Chemistry for Sustainable Development in Africa pp 33–48Cite as

Role of Flavonoid and Isoflavonoid Molecules in Symbiotic Functioning and Host-Plant Defence in the Leguminosae

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Abstract

Inoculating symbiotic legumes with infective rhizobial symbionts increases the nod-gene-inducing activity of root exudates, and alters the profile of nod gene inducers. The application of Sinorhizobium meliloti cells to the roots of alfalfa seedlings specifically causes the release of the aglycone and glycoside forms of the phytoalex in medicarpin, and a formononetin—O-(6″-O-malnylglycoside). Similarly, in the presence of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli bacteria, root exudates of common bean also contain more of the phytoalexin coumestrol, and its isoflavonoid precursor daidzein than exudates of uninoculated plants. This paper discusses the effects of root-nodule bacteria (hereafter called “rhizobia”) on the synthesis and release of flavonoid and isoflavonoid signal compounds, and explores the biological significance of phytoalexin production in legume plant nodulation and defense against pathogens and insect pests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Crop Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

    Nyamande Mapope

  2. Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa

    Felix D. Dakora

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  1. Nyamande Mapope
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    Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

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    Jacobus Nicolaas Eloff

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Mapope, N., Dakora, F.D. (2013). Role of Flavonoid and Isoflavonoid Molecules in Symbiotic Functioning and Host-Plant Defence in the Leguminosae. In: Gurib-Fakim, A., Eloff, J. (eds) Chemistry for Sustainable Development in Africa. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29642-0_3

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