Phytoalexin accumulation and antifungal compounds from the crucifer wasabi

The constitutive antifungal metabolites produced by wasabi (Wasabia japonic a, syn. Eutrema wasabi), a plant resistant to virulent isolates of the blac kleg fungus [Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces. et de Not., asexual stage Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr.) Desm.] were isolated and their chemical structur es determined, In addition, the chemical structure and synthesis of the fir st wasabi phytoalexin, methyl 1-methoxyindole-3-carboxylate, as well as its antifungal activity towards isolates of P. lingam and P. wasabiae were est ablished. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.