In nature, plants interact with small and large animals, with other plants, with microorganisms and with a large number of… Pathogenic agents, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. However, as a result of mutual evolutionary adaptation between microorganisms and plants (coevolution), plants usually remain healthy.
Plants have developed various defense barriers that provide them with infection resistance against pathogenic microorganisms. These barriers can be classified as physical (e.g. plant cuticle), physiological (e.g. oxidative stress) and chemical (e.g. plant protectants), stopping pathogen attack or counteracting the degree of infection.
What is the relationship between plants and fungi?
On the other hand, fungi have evolved different infection mechanisms that allow them to act as pathogens; Such as the synthesis and release of enzymes that degrade the cell wall of plants, form specialized structures for attachment and penetration into their host and produce substances toxic to plants, known as phytotoxins.
Due to their structural diversity and different modes of action, phytotoxins are special weapons of pathogens, which cause various changes in plant tissues, such as yellowing, necrosis or wilting of leaves, and allow microorganisms to manipulate plant physiology. the cell.host for your benefit.
The interaction between plant pathogens is a complex process; While plants synthesize phytoprotective substances as part of their defense mechanisms, fungi produce enzymes that metabolize and combat the plant’s chemical defenses.
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In the same way, while plant pathogenic fungi use phytotoxins as one of their infection strategies, plants are able to neutralize phytotoxins as part of their defense mechanisms against plant pathogens.
Therefore, the battle for co-evolutionary dominance will continue… Which “Team” Are You On?
*Faculty of Chemical Sciences Orizaba and College of Biological and Agricultural Sciences Peñuela, U.V
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