Abstract
Pests and diseases pose a threat to food security, which is nowadays aggravated by climate change and globalization. In this context, agricultural policies demand innovative approaches to more effectively manage resources and overcome the ecological issues raised by intensive farming. Optimization of plant mineral nutrition is a sustainable approach to ameliorate crop health and yield. Zinc is a micronutrient essential for all living organisms with a key role in growth, development, and defense. Competition for Zn affects the outcome of the host–attacker interaction in both plant and animal systems. In this review, we provide a clear framework of the different strategies involving low and high Zn concentrations launched by plants to fight their enemies. After briefly introducing the most relevant macro- and micronutrients for plant defense, the functions of Zn in plant protection are summarized with special emphasis on superoxide dismutases (SODs) and zinc finger proteins. Following, we cover recent meaningful studies identifying Zn-related passive and active mechanisms for plant protection. Finally, Zn-based strategies evolved by pathogens and pests to counteract plant defenses are discussed.
Highlights
Pests and diseases pose a threat to food security, which is nowadays aggravated by climate change and globalization
We provide a clear framework of the different strategies involving low and high Zn concentrations launched by plants to fight their enemies
After briefly introducing the most relevant macro- and micronutrients for plant defense, the functions of Zn in plant protection are summarized with special emphasis on superoxide dismutases (SODs) and zinc finger proteins
Summary
Catalina Cabot 1*, Soledad Martos 2, Mercè Llugany 2, Berta Gallego 2, Roser Tolrà 2 and Charlotte Poschenrieder 2. The described mechanism is either exclusively mediated through Zn or Zn is mentioned to be involved ROS-dependent defense mechanisms commonly associated with plant defense against biotrophs, such as callose deposition and pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression, were not triggered despite the fact of increased salicylic acid (SA) levels in the infected plants This suggests that in this model, a direct toxic effect of Zn would be the main factor limiting bacterial colonization (Fones et al, 2010; Fones and Preston, 2013).
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