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Semisynthetic Triterpenes Derived from Euphorbia officinarum as Plant Growth Promoters and Inducers of Disease Resistance

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Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of application of the semisynthetic triterpenes 3β-acetoxy-norlup-20-one (F4) and 3-chloro-4α,14α-dimethyl-5α-cholest-8-ene (F6) triterpene derivatives from Euphorbia officinarum on the growth of tomato seedlings under normal conditions and when challenged with the pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Foliar spray of F4 and F6 significantly improved growth rate, fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area. In addition, they enhanced several physiological parameters including photosynthetic pigments, proline content, and nitrate reductase activity. Moreover, they induced H2O2 accumulation and increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. They also enhanced disease resistance against V. dahliae and A. tumefaciens. These results suggest that the two semisynthetic triterpenes represent new plant growth regulators and inducers of plant disease resistance.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the University Chouaib Doukkali El Jadida (Morocco).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Ecosystem Valorisation, Faculty of Sciences, University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida, Morocco

    Amal Smaili, Lalla Aicha Rifai, Tayeb Koussa, Kacem Makroum, Belfaiza Malika & Mohamed Faize

  2. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences El Jadida, University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida, Morocco

    Noureddine Mazoir

  3. Group of Fruit Tree Biotechnology, Department of Plant Breeding, CEBAS-CSIC, PO Box 164, 30100, Murcia, Spain

    Lydia Faize, Nuria Alburquerque & Lorenzo Burgos

  4. Laboratory of Biomolecular Chemistry, Natural Substances and Reactivity, URAC 16, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, P.O. Box 2390, Marrakech, Morocco

    Ahmed Benharref

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  1. Amal Smaili
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Smaili, A., Rifai, L.A., Mazoir, N. et al. Semisynthetic Triterpenes Derived from Euphorbia officinarum as Plant Growth Promoters and Inducers of Disease Resistance. J Plant Growth Regul 38, 262–272 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-018-9838-3

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