2.1.1.270 metabolism the differential expression of 13 defence-related genes during Phoma koolunga infection of stems and leaves of susceptible versus resistant field pea (Pisum sativum) determined by quantitative RT-PCR shows that expression, in terms of relative mRNA level ratios, of genes encoding ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase, 6a-hydroxymaackiain methyltransferase (hmm6), chalcone synthase (PSCHS3) and ascorbate peroxidase in leaves and stems vary during 6-72 hours post-inoculation (hpi) and reflecting host resistance levels in leaves versus stems. In comparison to the susceptible genotype, at 24, 48 and 72 hpi, two genes, hmm6 (122, 207 and 32fold, respectively) and PSCHS3 are strongly upregulated in leaves of the resistant genotype, highlighting that resistance against Phoma koolunga in field pea is governed by the early synthesis of pisatin, overview -, 758031 2.1.1.270 physiological function hairy roots containing RNAi constructs of HMM are deficient in (+)-pisatin biosynthesis, and accumulate 2,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavanone, daidzein, isoformononetin, and liquiritigenin. Accumulation of compounds is consistent with the blockage of the synthesis of (+)-pisatin at the HI4'OMT catalyzed step resulting in the accumulation of liquiritigenin and 2,7,4'-trihydroxyisoflavanone and the diversion of the pathway to produce daidzein and isoformononetin 706124 2.1.1.270 physiological function resistance against Phoma koolunga in field pea is governed by the early synthesis of pisatin involving the enzyme hydroxymaackiain methyltransferase -, 758031