gamma-Glutamyl-S-ethenylcysteine has been isolated and crystallised fr
om aqueous ethanolic extracts of the seeds of Narbon bean, (Vicia narb
onensis). The gamma-glutamyl peptide is present at 0.7% in the Austral
ian Temperate Crops Collection cultivar ATC 60105. Depending upon geno
type and environment, seeds with up to 3% peptide have been observed.
This photolabile peptide is the precursor responsible for the repulsiv
e odour of germinating Narbon beans. It is a useful chemotaxonomic cha
racter for Vicieae, as well.las a significant storage form of seed sur
fur. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.