VIEW ARTICLE

Terpenoid Accumulation as a Biochemical Response of the Potato Tuber to Phytophthora Infestans. J. L. Varns, Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana; J. Kuc(2), and E. B. Williams(3). (2)(3)Department of Biochemistry and Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, respectively, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana. Phytopathology 61:174-177. Accepted for publication 8 September 1970. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-61-174.

A consistent response of tubers to infection by incompatible races of Phytophthora infestans was demonstrated with 11 potato cultivars and three races of the fungus. The response included rapid necrosis and the accumulation of two terpenoids, rishitin and phytuberin. Detection of the terpenoids occurred shortly before or during necrosis, and their accumulation may be responsible for or represent a manifestation of the hypersensitive response.