Biosynthesis of fatty acid derived aldehydes is induced upon mechanical wounding and its products show fungicidal activities in cucumber

Cucumber fatty acid 9-hydroperoxide lyase was developmentally regulated, and its activity was high in the hypocotyls, female flowers and mature fruits. It was induced by mechanical wounding. The products, C9-aldehydes, were formed rapidly after disruption of the tissues and showed fungicidal activities against fungal pathogens, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum.