Wounding-Induced Increase of Quinolizidine Alkaloid Accumulation in Lupin Leaves

Abstract

Cutting-up leaflets of Lupinus polyphyllus induces a rapid increase of quinolizidine alkaloid accumulation of u to 400% within 2to4.5 h.In contrast to the diurnal alkaloid form ation, this reaction takes place both in the light and the dark and even at 4°C.The effect is reducedin chloram phenicol-treated samples but unimpaired in cyclohexim ide-treatedassays.Since quinolizidine alkaloids constitute probably an important means of a chemical defense system of lupinsagainst microbes and herbivores, the wound-induction of alkaloid accumulation is discussed as adefense response. © 1983, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.