A Sinapic Derivative as an Induced Defence Compound of Date Palm Against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis, the Agent Causing Bayoud Disease

A non-constitutive phenolic compound was isolated from date palm (Phoenix dactvlifera L.) roots and calli derived from offshoots. It inhibits greatly conidial germination as well as infectious germ tube growth and must be considered as a phytoaiexin. Its accumulation occurred when calli turned brown or when roots were in contact with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis, the agent causing the date palm vascular fusariosis ʹbayoudʹ. Tentatively, this compound has been identified as sinapoyl-amide by acid and alkahne hydrolysis, dansylation of amines and polyamines and by ninhydrin treatment. The relationship between this methoxy-substituted hydroxycinnamic acidamide and biotic and abiotic stress leading to tissue browning or vascular disease resistance is discussed