Abstract
In the case of biotic and abiotic stresses, natural defence mechanisms are triggered in plants. The mechanisms are based mainly on enzymatic or non-enzymatic intracellular reactions. Changes in the quantitative profile of 12 phenolic acids, total bound phenolic acids, total free phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in grain of 23 winter wheat genotypes exposed to stress (artificial inoculation with spores of fungi from the genus Fusarium or chemical protection) were analysed. Concentrations of ergosterol confirm significantly higher levels of contamination with microscopic fungi in inoculated wheat samples in comparison to the control and chemically protected samples. The highest concentrations of bound phenolic acids were recorded in inoculated samples while the control and chemically protected samples did not differ significantly. Chromatographic analysis of contents of 12 bound phenolic acids showed that significant differences were found for contents of ferulic, synapic, t-cinnamic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids in experimental variants. Stepwise discriminatory analysis based on the contents of selected bound phenolic acids antioxidant activity and free phenolic acids led to a complete separation of the investigated populations of the experimental groups. The statistical analysis confirmed that free phenolic acids are the most significant factors in resistance mechanisms as the first line of defence together with their antioxidant action, followed by the synergistic effect of exogenous bound phenolic acids: ferulic, synapic, t-cinnamic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids.
Highlights
Crop plants during the vegetation period are exposed to the action of biotic and abiotic stresses
Fusarium head blight is observed in all cereals grown in central and eastern Europe; it is the greatest threat for wheat and maize cultivation [2, 3]
The collected grain was analysed chemically to determine the level of mycotoxin contamination with type B trichothecenes
Summary
Crop plants during the vegetation period are exposed to the action of biotic and abiotic stresses. Fusarium head blight is observed in all cereals grown in central and eastern Europe; it is the greatest threat for wheat and maize cultivation [2, 3]. In Poland, fusarium head blight in wheat is caused mainly by F. culmorum, F. graminearum and F. avenaceum [4]. Wheat is exposed to fungal infections inducing stress caused both by the presence of the pathogen and mycotoxins it secretes to plant tissues. As a result in the case of fungal infection and the application of fungicides, we deal with a double stress: abiotic (fungicide, mycotoxins) and biotic (the presence of a pathogen)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
