Phytochemical resistance-traits in crops against pests and diseases

Abstract

The phytochemical-resistance trait comprises of is one or more compounds produced by the crop for resistance against pests and diseases. Breeding for phytochemical resistance-traits may offer more stable crop resistance and less dependance on pesicides. Nevertheless, incorporation of phytochemical resistancetraits in crop improvement faces several problems viz., monitoring during breeding process and their biological impact on agroecosystems. This Paper describes several methods for easy monitoring of phytochemical resistance-traits in crop species, including the rapid and often cheap assays to measure contents of glucosinolates, cyanogenic glycosides, phenylpropanoids, alkylresorcinols, resveratrol, salicylic acid and activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. These methods should be used complementary to visual traits of resistance such as ratings of disease, or insect feeding. They can provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in crop defense to pests and diseases.