Summary
This narrative review examines the dual role of reactive oxygen species in plant defence, clarifying how ROS function both as toxic metabolic by-products and as essential signalling molecules that activate pathogen resistance. The authors synthesise evidence on ROS involvement in hypersensitive response and systemic acquired resistance, and elucidate the complex interplay between ROS and key phytohormones in coordinating plant immunity. The work underscores that understanding these biochemical mechanisms is prerequisite for developing agronomic strategies to enhance crop resilience to biotic stress.
Regional applicability
The mechanistic insights on ROS-mediated defence may inform UK crop breeding and integrated pest management strategies, particularly as disease pressure shifts with climate change. However, the review is fundamental science; practical application to UK farming systems would require translation through field trials and cultivar evaluation studies.
Key measures
ROS types (superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide); defence response mechanisms (HR, SAR); phytohormone signalling pathways
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises mechanisms by which reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate plant defence responses to pathogens through basal resistance, hypersensitive response, and systemic acquired resistance. The paper examines how ROS interact with phytohormones (jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ethylene) to orchestrate local and systemic defence signalling networks.
Topic tags
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