Alginate-Induced Disease Resistance in Plants

Plants are continuously exposed to a wide range of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses; therefore, survival under these conditions requires a sophisticated defense system. The activation of defense responses and related signals in plants is regulated mainly by the hormones salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene. Resistance to pathogen infection can be induced in plants by various biotic and abiotic agents. For many years, the use of abiotic plant resistance inducers has been considered in integrated disease management programs. Recently, natural inducer compounds, such as alginates, have become a focus of interest due to their environmentally friendly nature and their ability to stimulate plant defense mechanisms and enhance growth. Polysaccharides and the oligosaccharides derived from them are examples of eco-compatible compounds that can enhance plant growth while also inducing plant resistance against pathogens and triggering the expression of the salicylic acid-dependent defense pathway.

Automated summary

Plants face a wide range of pathogens and require a sophisticated defense system to survive. Hormones such as salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene play a key role in regulating defense responses. Inducing resistance in plants against pathogens can be achieved using both biotic and abiotic agents. Recently, natural inducer compounds, like alginates, have gained interest due to their environmentally friendly nature and ability to enhance plant defense mechanisms and growth.