Phytoalexins produced in the leaves of Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd’s purse)

Abstract

Three phytoalexins, camalexin (C 11 H 8 N 2 S), 6-methoxycamalexin (C 12 H 10 N 2 SO), and N-methylcamalexin (C 12 H 10 N 2 S), were isolated from shepherd's purse ( Capsella bursa-pastoris ) challenged by Alternaria brassicae . N-methylcamalexin has not been reported previously. Phytoalexin elicitation in shepherd's purse is associated with its resistance to A. brassicae , a pathogen which causes an important disease of cruciferous crops in many parts of the world.