Elicitor

Elicitor An elicitor is a molecule that triggers a defense response in plants. These molecules can be of various origins, including pathogens, herbivores, or even synthetic compounds. Elicitors play a crucial role in the plant immune system, helping plants to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Types of Elicitors

Elicitors can be broadly classified into two categories:

• Biotic Elicitors: These are derived from living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and insects. Examples include pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs).
• Abiotic Elicitors: These are non-living chemical compounds that can induce a defense response in plants. Examples include heavy metals, UV radiation, and synthetic chemicals.

Mechanism of Action

Elicitors function by interacting with specific receptors on the plant cell surface. This interaction triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of various defense mechanisms, such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phytoalexins, and pathogenesis-related proteins (PR proteins).

Applications

Elicitors have significant applications in agriculture and biotechnology. They are used to enhance plant resistance to diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, they are employed in the production of secondary metabolites in plant cell cultures.

Examples of Elicitors

• Chitosan: A natural biopolymer derived from chitin, known to induce defense responses in various plant species.
• Salicylic Acid: A plant hormone that acts as an endogenous elicitor, playing a key role in the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathway.
• Jasmonic Acid: Another plant hormone involved in the regulation of defense responses, particularly against herbivores.

See Also

• Plant immune system
• Pathogen-associated molecular pattern
• Systemic acquired resistance
• Phytoalexin
• Pathogenesis-related protein