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Glucosinolates and Plant Defense

Living reference work entry
First Online:
Part of the Reference Series in Phytochemistry book series (RSP)

Abstract

Glucosinolates are unique secondary metabolites present in the members of family Brassicaceae. The major role of glucosinolates in plants is believed to be responses to external or environmental stimuli. Glucosinolates are also involved in communicating and triggering a range of information pertaining to plant defense against insects, some food bacteria, and against some fungi. Glucosinolates are hydrolyzed by the enzyme myrosinase on injury to plant to produce isothiocyanates and subsequently by PAL to toxic compounds injurious to the pathogen. In this review, the role of glucosinolates in plant defense has been discussed with possible involvement of PAL enzyme.

Keywords

Glucosinolates Plant defense Brassicas Bion SAR Isothiocyanates Phenylalanine ammonia lyase Phosphonate Broccoli 

Abbreviations

HAG

High aliphatic glucosinolate

PAL

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase

SA

Salicylic acid

SAR

Systemic acquired resistance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Faculty of Agriculture and EnvironmentThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia

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