Phytoalexin formation in cell cultures of Dianthus caryophyllus treated by an extract from the culture medium of Phytophthora parasitica

Abstract

Cell suspension cultures of Dianthus caryophyllus when treated with an elicitor preparation from Phytophthora parasitica accumulated the phytoalexin dianthalexin whereas untreated cultures produced no dianthalexin. The sensitivity of the cells to the fungal extract was maximal during the linear phase of growth and cultures became less sensitive as they approached the stationary phase. Maximum accumulation at all stages occurred 24 h after application of the elicitor preparation.