Polyamines: defeat or survival of the fungus

Polyamines are low molecular weight amines that serve numerous pivotal functions in eukaryotic cells, such as contributing to processes like embryogenesis, organogenesis in plants, and host interactions in fungi. Over the years, there has been significant interest in these compounds concerning the enhancement of plant resistance to pathogenic infections. As polyamines play indispensable roles in both plant and fungal functionalities, elucidating their precise significance in the interplay between these two organisms remains intricate. Furthermore, it is becoming evident that polyamines can yield disparate effects contingent upon factors such as prevailing conditions, concentrations, and the specific species of both plants and fungi.

This paper provides an analysis of recent research conducted mostly within the last five years, concentrating on the multifaceted role of polyamines in the dynamic between plants and two types of fungi: phytopathogenic and mycorrhizal. The investigation places particular emphasis on two principal aspects. Firstly, it delves into the influence of polyamines on fungal pathogens, encompassing aspects such as mycotoxin production and the infection process. Secondly, it explores the intricate interplay of the plant's immune response to fungal pathogens.