Accumulation of the phytoalexin lettucenin a and changes in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase activity in lettuce seedlings with the red spot disorder

Authors

Lara Bestwick

Published

July 1, 1995

Abstract

The sesquiterpenoid lactone phytoalexin lettucenin A was isolated from seedlings of lettuce with the red spot physiological disorder. Accumulation of lettucenin A was preceded by increased activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. The red spot syndrome may provide a tractable mimic of the hypersensitive reaction of lettuce to microbial challenge.