Toxins in Plant Disease

Toxins in Plant Disease presents a comprehensive coverage of plant disease toxins, both those for which there are reasonable evidence and those with fewer credentials. This book is primarily concerned with the mechanism wherein substances that interfere with metabolism or that alter the normal structure of protoplasm are produced and released (category 1); this includes the traditional toxins, which are usually of low molecular weight. It also describes category 2 mechanism, wherein substances that interfere with normal control of growth and development are produced and released; these microorganisms are classified as growth-affecting compounds. Moreover, this text addresses some high-molecular-weight compounds that contribute to vascular dysfunction. It further talks about the production, isolation, assay, genetics of production, mechanism of action, structure-activity relationship, metabolism, and applications of these toxins. This publication will provide a rational basis for future investigations and contribute to the eventual understanding of the role that toxins play in disease causation.

List of Contributors Preface1 Introduction: A Perspective of Toxin Studies in Plant Pathology I. Prologue II. Definitions III. Classifications of Toxins Involved in Plant Diseases IV. Ecological Perspectives V. Historical Landmarks in Research on Plant-Affecting Toxins VI. How to Recognize a Toxin VII. Major Problems in Toxin Research VIII. Prospects and Speculations References 2 Production and Isolation I. Production II. Isolation and Purification References 3 Assay I. Introduction II. Purpose of Investigation III. Components of Bioassays IV. Experimental Manipulations V. Conclusions References 4 Genetics of Production I. Introduction II. Fungi III. Bacteria IV. Immunity of Pathogens to Their Own Toxins V. Emerging Tools of Molecular Genetics in Toxin-Producing Bacterial Plant Pathogens VI. Discussion Note Added in Proof References 5 Structure and Biogenetic Relations: Fungal Nonhost-Specific I. Introduction II. Shikimic Acid-Derived Compounds III. Compounds Derived from the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle IV. Fatty Acid Derivatives V. Polyketides VI. Terpenoids VII. Amino Acid Derivatives VIII. Unassigned Compounds Note Added in Proof References 6 Structure: Fungal Host-Specific I. Introduction II. Isolation, Purification, and Analysis III. Structural Studies IV. Summary References7 Structure: Bacterial I. Introduction II. Structures III. Future Trends Note Added in Proof References 8 Chemical Synthesis I. Introduction II. Synthetic Achievements References 9 Mechanisms of Action I. Scope and Outlook II. Experimental Approaches III. Postulated Mechanisms IV. Future Research Note Added in Proof References 10 Structure-Activity Relationships I. Introduction II. Bacterial Toxins III. Fungal Toxins IV. Conclusions References 11 Metabolism I. Introduction II. Biosynthesis III. Degradation References12 Ultrastructural Effects I. Introduction II. Cell Walls and Plasma Membranes III. Mitochondria IV. Chloroplasts V. Vacuoles VI. Endoplasmic Reticulum, Ribosomes, and Nuclei VII. Summary References13 Role in Pathogenesis I. Introduction II. The Infection Process III. Symptomatology IV. Disease Reactions V. Toxins as Models in Pathogenesis References 14 Applications I. Introduction II. Specific Applications III. Future Outlook ReferencesIndex