Influence of white clover mosaic potexvirus infection on the endogenous levels of jasmonic acid and related compounds in Phaseolus vulgaris L. seedlings

Primary leaves of 16-day-old Phaseolus vulgaris L, seedlings were inoculated with either white clover mosaic potexvirus (WClMV) or water. The concentrations of jasmonic acid (JA), dihydrojasmonic acid (DHJA) and cucurbic acid (CA), and virus titre were measured over a ten day period following inoculation. A transient increase in the concentration of JA occurred immediately following inoculation with water or WClMV, which we attribute to wounding. A second increase in JA occurred only in virus-infected leaves. Concentrations of cucurbic and dihydrojasmonic acids were not affected by wounding, but virus-infection resulted in a decline in the concentration of CA and an increase in DHJA. Reasons for the changes in jasmonate concentrations after virus infection are discussed.