Phytoallexins

Phytoalexins are low molecular weight compounds produced by plants in response to biotic and abiotic stresses and are used against plant pests and pathogens. As such they take part in an intricate defense system which enables plants to control invading pests and pathogens. Research on these compounds started with progress in their biochemistry and bio-organic chemistry, resulting in the determination of their structure, their biological activity, as well as mechanisms of their synthesis and catabolism. Elucidation of the biosynthesis of numerous phytoalexins also permitted the use of molecular biology tools for the exploration of the genes encoding enzymes of their synthesis pathways and their regulators. This has led to potential applications to increase plant resistance to pests and diseases. Phytoalexins display an enormous diversity belonging to various chemical families such as for instance, phenolics, terpenoids, furanoacetylenes, steroid glycoalkaloids, sulfur-containing compounds and indoles.

Research and review papers dealing with numerous aspects of phytoalexins including modulation of their biosynthesis, molecular engineering in plants, biological activities, structure/activity relationships and phytoalexin metabolism with plant pests and pathogens are published in the Journal. Induction of resistance to plant pests and diseases by increasing the production of these compounds in plants by various methods, identification, extraction and commercialization of these compounds is one of the main objectives of this publication. The editorial board, which specializes in various fields of plant science, will provide fruitful publications in this field for those who are interested and researchers.