Plant defense response

Plant defense response refers to the complex, integrated network of biological processes used by plants to detect and respond to pathogenic infections and other biotic stresses [Frontiers in Plant Science, 2015]. It is not a single molecular target but a collective system encompassing pathogen recognition by cell-surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors [PMC, 2013; MDPI, 2021]. These recognition events trigger downstream signaling cascades involving mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), calcium influx, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2018]. Broadly categorized into pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), these responses can lead to localized hypersensitive cell death or systemic acquired resistance (SAR), which provides long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection to the entire plant [Frontiers in Plant Science, 2022].\n\nIn agriculture, chemical elicitors known as 'plant activators,' such as acibenzolar-S-methyl and probenazole, target these pathways by mimicking natural signaling molecules like salicylic acid or by priming defense genes for faster activation [Frontiers in Plant Science, 2015; PMC, 2018]. While stimulating these responses can effectively control diseases, it often results in a 'growth-defense trade-off,' where metabolic resources are diverted from development and yield to immunity [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021]. This multifaceted system is a primary focus for developing sustainable crop protection strategies that reduce environmental reliance on traditional biocidal pesticides.

Other names

Plant immunityPlant innate immunityInduced resistanceSystemic acquired resistancePAMP-triggered immunityEffector-triggered immunityInduced systemic resistance

Activation of plant innate immune signaling pathways and induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) by mimicking natural defense hormones or triggering pattern recognition receptors (PRRs).