Regulation of Glucosinolate Metabolism: From Model Plant Arabidopsis thaliana to Brassica Crops

Abstract

Brassicaceae are blessed with secondary metabolites called glucosinolates which form the defense arsenal of these plants. Glucosinolates and its degradation products are also proved to be beneficial in agriculture and human health even though some are known to be detrimental. The type of glucosinolates and its content displays huge diversity across different species. The glucosinolate diversity is primarily genetically controlled. The profile of glucosinolates also varies depending on the growth stages and external environment of the plant. The environmental factors include type of pest/pathogen attack, nutrient status of the plant, and other abiotic stress factors. The glucosinolate pathway is also linked to other major metabolic and signaling pathways resulting in a complex mechanism of regulation. Even though the regulatory mechanism is not completely understood, the current chapter integrates the knowledge available from the model plant Arabidopsis and related Brassica crops.