Induction of capsaicinoid accumulation in placental tissues of Capsicum chinense Jacq. requires primary ammonia assimilation

The activities of primary ammonia assimilation enzymes were analyzed in isolated placentas of habanero peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). The placentas were cultured in vitro and exposed to conditions promoting capsaicinoid accumulation, such as treatments with salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJa). Although exposure to both inducers resulted in increased accumulation of capsaicinoids, the induction by SA was more pronounced. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, which incorporates ammonia into glutamine, increased more than six fold under such conditions, suggesting GS participation in fulfilling the demand for amino acids required to support the increase in capsaicinoid synthesis. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which has been involved in nitrogen assimilation in non-photosynthetic tissues such as placentas, was apparently not involved; its activity decreased in tissues exposed to the inducers. Thus, under the conditions tested, the activation of secondary metabolism required activation of basal nitrogen metabolism.