Induced Resistance Mechanisms in Plant Defense Systems
Summary
Plants possess a multifaceted defence network that can be primed by prior exposure to biotic or abiotic elicitors, leading to enhanced resistance against subsequent pathogen attack. Induced resistance comprises two main systemic responses: systemic acquired resistance (SAR), typically associated with salicylic acid-mediated signalling and long-lasting protection against biotrophic pathogens; and induced systemic resistance (ISR), which is often triggered by beneficial microbes and linked to jasmonic acid and ethylene pathways, conferring resistance to necrotrophs and insect herbivores. These responses involve activation of defence-related genes, accumulation of pathogenesis-related proteins and secondary metabolites such as phytoalexins and phenolics, and reinforcement of cell walls through lignification and callose deposition. Primed plants exhibit faster or stronger activation of these mechanisms upon challenge, often at a lower metabolic cost than constitutive defence. Recent advances in molecular and biochemical profiling have elucidated key receptors and signalling components, including pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, while metabolomic studies have identified novel defence compounds. Understanding the interplay between SAR and ISR and fine-tuning elicitor applications hold promise for sustainable crop protection, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and enhancing resilience to emerging pathogens under changing climatic conditions.
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Induced Resistance Mechanisms in Plant Defense Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in induced resistance mechanisms in plant defense systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Systemic acquired resistance (SAR): A broad-spectrum defensive state induced by a localized infection, mediated primarily by salicylic acid and characterised by expression of pathogenesis-related proteins.
Induced systemic resistance (ISR): Enhanced defensive capacity triggered by non-pathogenic microorganisms, associated with jasmonic acid and ethylene signalling pathways, effective against necrotrophic pathogens and insects.
Elicitor: A biotic or abiotic agent that stimulates the plant’s innate immune system, leading to activation of defence signalling networks.
Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR proteins): A group of proteins with antimicrobial activity whose levels increase during SAR or ISR, contributing to pathogen inhibition.
Phytoalexin: A low-molecular-weight antimicrobial compound synthesized de novo by plants in response to pathogen challenge.
References
- Identification of plant resistance inducers and evaluation of genotype receptivity for carrot protection against Alternaria leaf blight. Frontiers in Plant Science (2025).
- Economic versus technical efficiency in using ASM combined with fungicides to elicit wheat varieties with different disease susceptibilities. Heliyon (2023).
- Alginate-Induced Disease Resistance in Plants. Polymers (2022).
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