UR0407 Pathologie Végétale
Projects/innovation
Current projects
PheBot

PheBot - Projet EUR Implanteus - 2025-2028

Elicitation of flavonoid synthesis in plants by application of phenylalanine: a route to a biocontrol solution

  • Funding of a doctoral student: EUR (university research school) IMPLANTEUS
  • Project: In response to the environmental and health concerns associated with the use of synthetic fungicides, stimulating plant defense responses through the phenylpropanoid pathway appears to be a promising alternative. This metabolic pathway is initiated by the conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) into trans-cinnamic acid by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). The resulting phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, stilbenes, and phenolic acids, contribute to resistance against pathogens through antioxidant, structural, and signaling functions. Recent studies have shown that exogenous application of Phe can enhance plant resistance, including in strawberry and tomato, to fungal infections caused by Botrytis cinerea.

    This project aims to (1) investigate the effects of different parameters on the effectiveness of Phe spray-induced protection against B. cinerea (dose, application method and timing, and plant genotype) in strawberry and tomato, (2) develop a detailed understanding of Phe metabolism under these conditions, and (3) assess the impact of this treatment on fruit quality and postharvest storage. The metabolism of exogenously applied phenylalanine will be monitored using 14C radiolabeling, combined with measurements of PAL activity, untargeted metabolomics analyses (liquid or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), and quantification of phenols and flavonoids. The impact of the treatment on fruit quality and storage will be evaluated by measuring titratable acidity and soluble sugars, as well as fruit color, texture, size, and fungal colonization.
  • Partners: 
    • Unité Pathologie Végétale, INRAE, Centre Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Avignon
    • UMR Qualisud, CIRAD Montpellier
    • UMR Qualisud, Avignon université
  • Coordination: Unité Pathologie Végétale
  • Manager for the unit: BARDIN Marc
  • Lifetime: 2025-2028

Modification date: 21 January 2026 | Publication date: 20 January 2026 | By: BARDIN Marc