Abstract
Plant defense peptides are able to control immune barriers and represent a potential novel resource for crop protection. One of the best-characterized plant peptides is tomato Systemin (Sys) an octadecapeptide synthesized as part of a larger precursor protein. Upon pest attack, Sys interacts with a leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase, systemin receptor SYR, activating a complex intracellular signaling pathway that leads to the wound response. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the direct delivery of the peptide to Solanum melongena and Vitis vinifera plants protects from the agent of Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea). The observed disease tolerance is associated with the increase of total soluble phenolic content, the activation of antioxidant enzymes, and the up-regulation of defense-related genes in plants treated with the peptide. Our results suggest that in treated plants, the biotic defense system is triggered by the Sys signaling pathway as a consequence of Sys interaction with a SYR-like receptor recently found in several plant species, including those under investigation. We propose that this biotechnological use of Sys, promoting defense responses against invaders, represents a useful tool to integrate into pest management programs for the development of novel strategies of crop protection.
Highlights
The success of modern agriculture relies in part on discovery and adoption of pesticides for pest control [1]
The development of safe and sustainable crop protection strategies is a challenging goal facing our society. This is increasingly pursued through bio-inspired research efforts, aiming to mimic natural mechanisms of pest suppression by exploiting biotechnological applications of biomolecules active in plant defense [53]
A promising control strategy is based on the application of elicitors to the plant that stimulate and/or potentiate plant defense responses affecting the fitness and behavior of herbivores and pathogens [42,54]
Summary
The success of modern agriculture relies in part on discovery and adoption of pesticides for pest control [1]. PRIs can be chemical compounds [8] as well as biological stimulators [9] able to activate and/or prime plant defense responses by their exogenous application [10]. Depending on their nature, they either mimic plant downstream signaling molecules, such as phytohormone or derivates, or act as non-self molecules, classified as microbe/pathogen/herbivore-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/PAMPs/HAMPs), or signals from damaged cells, generally referred to danger- or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) [11,12,13,14] or phytocytochines [15]. Vitis vinifera and Solanum melongena plants strongly reduces B. cinerea plant colonization
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
