Abstract
The occurrence and distribution of secondary metabolites in plants, from an ecological viewpoint, can be associated with a defensive strategy of plants against herbivores. In order to limit damage from microbes, insects, or vertebrate predation, plants have developed complex metabolic pathways to produce specific secondary compounds that are associated with defense against pests and pathogens. Complex antibiotic substances such as alkaloids and terpenes, as well as proteins such as protease inhibitors, provide inducible or constitutive defense both in woody and in herbaceous plants.
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© 1996 Plenum Press, New York
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Tava, A., Odoardi, M. (1996). Saponins from Medicago SPP.: Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity Against Insects. In: Waller, G.R., Yamasaki, K. (eds) Saponins Used in Food and Agriculture. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 405. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0413-5_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0413-5_9
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