Diverse functions of isoflavonoids in legumes transcend anti-microbial definitions of phytoalexins.
Dakora, F.D. Phillips, D.A.
Dakora, F.D.
Phillips, D.A.
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Abstract
Leguminous plants defend themselves against microbial pathogens and herbivores through tissue accumulation of polycyclic compounds before, during, and after attack. Phytoalexins and phytoanticipins, of which isoflavonoids form a major part, are traditionally the compounds used in defence. But some isoflavonoid compounds which classically inhibit pathogens, also serve as chemoattractants, promoters of microbial growth and inducers of nodulation genes in Rhizobium
and Bradyrhizobium bacteria. These newly found biological functions of isoflavonoids clearly complicate the traditional definitions of phytoalexins and phytoanticipins. The release of classical phytoalexins following legume infection with mutualistic microbial symbionts, and the role of these molecules as integrative signals within plants, further confounds the phytoalexin} phytoanticipin concept. This review summarizes some biological roles for isoflavonoid molecules
produced in legumes in response to mutualistic symbioses with consideration of the anti-microbial definition of phytoalexins.
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Date
1996-02-01
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Elsevier
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Keywords
Leguminous plants, Rhizobium bacteria, Bradyrhizobium bacteria