Wyerone derivatives and activities of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase in faba bean leaves as induced by chocolate spot disease

Abstract

Faba bean leaves accumulate furanoacetylenic phytoalexins in response to infection by Botrytis fabae. Wyerone and wyerone acid measured using HPLC are the two main phytoalexins accumulated in response to infection in leaves. The amounts of unsaturated wyerone derivatives were always higher than their dihydro analogues. The total phytoalexin contents decreased with time after inoculation. Peroxidase activities increased by infection in contrast to healthy leaf tissues polyphenoloxidase activities were not affected significantly.