Phytoalexins

Collective term for antimicrobial chemical compounds, some of which have an oxidation-inhibiting effect, which are formed in plants as a defence reaction. The name is derived from phyto (plant) and alexin (defence). Host-specific phytoalexins can be present in principle, but are only produced in significant quantities by plants when they are attacked by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, but also under stress conditions such as UV light or insect in festation. They then rapidly accumulate at the site of infection within a few hours. So far, more than 12,000 different species have been discovered. Phytoalexins that become active in the vine belong to a group of phenols called stilbenes. They are formed in the leaves and berry skins when they are attacked by various diseases such as downy or powdery mildew and botrytis. This slows down or inhibits the spread of the diseases.

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Phytoalexins

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