The Role of Phytoalexins in Defense Action

Abstract

Subjects on chemical nature, physiological behavior, biosynthesis, selective toxicity of phytoalexin, and varietal resistance are reviewed and discussed from viewpoints of defense action in the host-parasite interaction. The main trends in both the experimental evidence and the current thinking of many groups engaged in research into the role of phytoalexins in defense action are summarized in figure 2. The long-term objective of research in this area is to understand the metabolic events involved in disease reactions and through this the control of plant metabolism concerned with disease resistance. A knowledge of the control points should open the way to manipulation of plant metabolism through chemotherapy to new and improved methods of disease control through the activation of the plant's own defense system.