Microbes-Associated Activation of Plant Defense Against Phytopathogens

Modern agriculture aims to produce safe, high-quality, low-cost food to meet the growing global demand. However, it faces various challenges, including losses caused by phytopathogens. Controlling these pathogens is often carried out using synthetic agrochemicals, which, although practical and effective, have disadvantages such as environmental damage, developing resistant strains, and human health risks. An alternative is the use of plant defense system inducers. Inducers can be physical, chemical, or biological factors that stimulate physiological or morphological responses in plants to cope with adverse conditions, including phytopathogen attacks. Inducible plant defense is activated in response to pathogen detection by producing antimicrobial compounds and activating defense signaling pathways. PGPR microorganisms can produce microbial inducers that can induce systemic resistance. These inducers activate the defense system in plants in response to some stresses, leading to the production of pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) and antimicrobial compounds. These defense mechanisms help plants resist infections and ensure sustainable agricultural production.