GINET Noémie

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

Abstract: Strawberry and tomato plants are susceptible to numerous pathogens, including the polyphagous fungus Botrytis cinerea. Polyphenolic compounds play a key role in the plants defense against this disease. They are synthesized from phenylalanine derived from the shikimic acid pathway, through the action of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), which deaminates the amino acid phenylalanine. Flavonoids are one of the main classes of compounds produced by this pathway. In order to increase the phenolic compound content of plants and fruits, one field of exploration is based on the use of elicitors, which activate plant defense mechanisms, leading to an increase in phenolic compound production. This project is part of a drive to find sustainable alternative solutions for crop protection. The aim is to study the stimulation of defense compound synthesis by pre- or post-harvest application of a specific phenylalanine (Phe) solution to strawberry and tomato plants or fruits, and to assess the effects in terms of reducing the development of the fungal pathogen, B. cinerea.