Springer Phytochemicals – Biosynthesis, Function and Application: Volume 44 (Recent Advances in Phytochemistry, 44)

The 44th volume of RAP contains articles based on work presented at the 51st annual meeting of the Phytochemical Society of North America. They were selected to showcase exciting examples of current research in plant chemistry, to highlight the diversity in this field spanning analytical chemistry, ethnobotany, biosynthesis, bioactivity, chemical ecology and biotechnology. Specifically, the perspectives paper by Zerbe and Bohlmann summarizes recent findings on the genes and enzymes involved in conifer resin biosynthesis, while papers by Timoshenko et al. and Guerrero-Analco et al. highlight progress on toxic lectins and bioactive phytochemicals from Canadian forest plants used by Aboriginals, respectively. Next the contribution by Glover and Murch compares methods used to analyze dementia agents in foodstuffs of Pacific Islands. Two papers by Lisko et al and Berhow et al. both summarize recent findings on the engineering of vitamin C contents of plants and of phytochemicals in the emerging oil crop Camelina. Finally, Cook et al discuss the biosynthesis in plant endophytes of alkaloids which have implications for cattle feeding. Overall, these seven Perspectives and Communications give a very good picture of the state of plant (bio) chemistry research in North America, which is also indicative of the state of the field worldwide. Review “For the scientist or professional with an interest in plants and their phytochemicals, this is a highly interesting read and resource. … it brings together information on the environmental side of phytochemistry with the biosynthesis and finally the application–a rare combination of information.” (Kerry Hughes, UK Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biosciences, Vol. 4 (1), 2016) From the Back Cover The Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA) is a nonprofit scientific organization with membership open to those interested in plant biochemistry, phytochemistry, and the role of plant substances in related disciplines. The PSNA exists to encourage and stimulate research in the chemistry and biochemistry of plant constituents, their effects upon plant and animal physiology and pathology, and their industrial importance and utilization. Annual meetings featuring symposium topics of current general interest and contributed papers by conference participants are held throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. PSNA meetings provide participants with exposure to cutting-edge research presented by prominent international scientists, but remain intimate enough to allow interaction and collegiality. Recent meetings were previously held jointly with the American Society of Pharmacognasy in St. Pete Beach, FL USA (2010) and held at Towson University, Maryland, USA (2009). The 50th Anniversary Meeting of the PSNA was held at the Fairmont Orchid, Waikaloa, Hawai’i USA (2011). This volume of Recent Advances in Phytochemistry is largely based around talks presented at the 51st annual meeting (2012), held in London, Ontario, Canada. Information about the PSNA, can be found at www.psna-online.org. About the Author Dr. Reinhard Jetter is a Professor (Departments of Botany and Chemistry) at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Jetter is Canadian Research Chair in Plants Natural Products Chemistry.