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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #111004
Title: SECONDARY PRODUCTS

Author
item Stipanovic, Robert - Bob
item WILLIAMS, HOWARD - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item Bell, Alois - Al

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2000
Publication Date: 1/1/2010
Citation: Stipanovic, R.D., Williams, H.J., Bell, A.A. 2010. Secondary Products. In: McD. Stewart, J., Oosterhuis, D., Heitholt, J.J., Mauney, J., editors. Physiology of Cotton. London, NY: Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg. p. 342-352.

Interpretive Summary: Small or low molecular weight chemicals are essential for plant survival. They are used in basic cell functions, to lure both beneficial insects and insect pests, and as defensive compounds to protect the plant from a wide range of pests including diseases and harmful insects. This manuscript reviews new compounds identified in cotton since 1986, methods for identifying these chemicals, and their biological activity. This can be used by researchers to quickly locate references to these topics for in- depth analysis.

Technical Abstract: In spite of their name, "secondary" products are essential for plant survival. They are required for basic cell functions as well as communicating the plant's presence to the surrounding environment and defense against pests as defined in the broad sense (i.e., diseases, nematodes, insects and plant competitors). Significant information has been gathered since Bell (1986) reviewed secondary products in the first edition of Cotton Physiology. This new information deals with analytical techniques used to identify and quantitate secondary compounds, biological activity, factors controlling synthesis, discovery of new compounds, and mechanisms involved in biosynthesis. Particularly relevant to future research is the identification of the genes and gene products that produce these compounds and regulate their synthesis.