Recent Advancement on Peptide Research and their Application in Eco-agriculture

Plant interactions with pathogens or microbes generate various signals within plants that trigger defense mechanisms. Some of these signals can also be prompted by elicitors, which are protective molecules. The signaling initiated by elicitors guides a series of internal processes in plants, culminating in hormonal signal transduction cascade activation. This activation leads to induced resistance (IR), ultimately enhancing plant immunity against environmental stresses. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the role and mechanisms of elicitors in the cellular defense of crops to enhance sustainable crop protection and management. Peptides, recognized as significant physiological regulators, have found applications in varied branches such as medicine, cosmetics, healthcare products, animal nutrition, and plant protection from biotic stresses. Peptides have gained significant attention in recent years as a focal point of research in plant protection due to their roles as antimicrobial and immune inducers, as well as plant growth regulators, insecticides, and herbicides. This chapter provides a concise overview of the advancements in peptide research, outlines their applications in plant protection, and discusses their potential as environmentally friendly agrochemicals.