AWARD LECTURE / CONFÉRENCE D'HONNEUR Prospects for controlling plant fungal diseases — Alternatives based on chemical ecology and biotechnology

Abstract

Plants produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites associated with important defence and resistance mechanisms. In general, within the same plant family the chemical structures of these metabolites are related and suggest common biogenetic precursors. Crucifers are known to produce constitutive and induced tryptophan derived metabolites. Pathogenic fungi can resist such defences utilizing a variety of processes, as for example, enzymatic detoxification. On the other hand, to facilitate their penetration and colonization of the plant tissues, fungal phytopathogens can produce phytotoxic metabolites, some of which are selectively toxic to host-plants. However, plants may be resistant to these pathogens partly due to their ability to detoxify these selective phytotoxins. Nonetheless, the outcome of these interactions frequently favours the pathogen and can lead to enormous yield losses or even major plant epidemics. An overview of some of the most recent studies of metabolic pathways and stress responses in crucifers and several of their pathogens is presented. Potential strategies to prevent and control plant microbial diseases based on chemical ecology studies and biotechnology will be discussed. Key words: phytoalexin, phytotoxin, chemical defence, metabolic detoxification, destruxin B.