ARS | Publication request: MALVONE A, A NEW PHYTOALEXIN FOUND IN MALVA SYLVESTRIS L. (FAMILY MALVACEAE)

Submitted to: Phytochemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 30, 2006
Publication Date: October 16, 2006
Citation: Veshkurova, O., Golubenko, Z., Pshenichnov, E., Arzanova, I., Uzbekov, V., Sultanova, E., Salikhov, S., Williams, H., Reibenspies, J.H., Puckhaber, L.S., Stipanovic, R.D. 2006. Malvone A, a new phytoalexin found in Malva sylvestris (family Malvaceae). Phytochemistry. 67:2376-2379.

Interpretive Summary: Fungi such as Verticillium dahliae are plant pathogens that cause significant yield losses to US cotton producers. When the cotton plant is attacked by pathogens, it responds by making chemicals that are toxic to these disease causing organisms. These chemicals are referred to as antimicrobial compounds. We are searching for new plant antimicrobials that are more potent than those produced by cotton. In collaborative research with scientists in Uzbekistan, we are studying a plant called Malva sylvestris that is resistant to Verticillium dahliae. We have identified an antimicrobial that is produced by Malva sylvestris when it is attacked by Verticillium dahliae. We have established the structure of this compound. This is a unique chemical that has not been observed in nature. The new compound is toxic to Verticillium dahliae, but unfortunately it is less toxic than a compound that cotton already produces.

Technical Abstract: The phytoalexin 2-methyl-3-methoxy-5,6-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone was identified in stems of Malva sylvestris that had been infected with the plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae.