Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Plant protection by tannins depends on defence-related phytohormones

Iqbal N, Poór P

J Plant Growth Regul · 2025.0

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Summary

This review paper, published in the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, explores the mechanistic relationship between tannins — a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites — and the phytohormone signalling networks that regulate plant defence responses. The authors likely synthesise existing literature to demonstrate that the protective functions of tannins against pathogens, herbivores, and environmental stressors are not independent but are mediated through defence-related hormonal pathways including jasmonic acid and salicylic acid signalling. The paper is expected to provide a conceptual framework linking secondary metabolite production to hormonal regulation, with implications for understanding and potentially enhancing natural plant immunity.

UK applicability

Whilst the review is unlikely to be UK-specific, its findings on tannin-mediated defence and phytohormone signalling are broadly applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems where reducing pesticide inputs and enhancing natural plant immunity are policy priorities under schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Key measures

Tannin biosynthesis pathways; phytohormone signalling (jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, abscisic acid); plant defence responses; stress tolerance indicators

Outcomes reported

The paper likely examines how tannins contribute to plant protection against biotic and abiotic stressors, and how defence-related phytohormones such as jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid regulate or interact with tannin biosynthesis and accumulation.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Plant biochemistry & stress physiology
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Controlled/laboratory plant science
DOI
10.1007/s00344-024-11291-1
Catalogue ID
WP0094

Topic tags

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