Control of Terpenoid Metabolism in the Potato Phytophthora infestans Interaction

Abstract

Inoculation of tubers with fungi non-pathogenic to potato suppresses glycoalkaloid accumulation and elicits accumulation of norsequi and sesquiterpenoids. Inoculation with compatible races of the pathogen Phytophthora infestans suppresses accumulation of terpenoids. Suppressors and elicitors of terpenoid accumulation were isolated from P. infestans. Specificity in the P. infestans - potato interaction appears controlled by suppressors (17–23 glucose units linked β1 → 3. β1 → 6). Ethylene, temperature and aging also markedly influence terpeuoid accumulation.