Phytoalexins and Signalling Metabolites Produced in the Wild Crucifer Neslia Paniculata: Camalexins and Arabidopsides

Abstract

The metabolites produced in elicited leaves of the wild crucifer <i>Neslia paniculata</i> (L.) Desv. were investigated in abiotically stressed plants. Herein the phytoalexins camalexin, 7-methoxycamalexin and 6,7-dimethoxycamalexin together with the signalling metabolites arabidopsides A and D are reported. This is the first report of occurrence of 7-methoxy and 6,7-dimethoxycamalexins <i>in planta</i> and the third example of synchronized biosynthesis of phytoalexins and galacto-oxylipins. It is suggested that arabidopsides and structurally similar metabolites functioning as signalling molecules are likely to occur in a much larger number of plant species than originally hypothesized. <i>N. paniculata</i> is potentially useful to generate hybrid plants resistant to blackleg disease caused by <i>Leptosphaeria maculans.</i>