Chinese scientists have discovered a small molecule in plant cells that can trigger immunity.
The molecule, which has been patented, can potentially be developed into a broad-spectrum biopesticide, helping plants such as crops resist diseases.
"Once this biopesticide is put into use, it can function when it's sprayed on a plant's surface and is absorbed by the plant. Based on existing scientific knowledge, it potentially can be applied to different plants and combat many diseases," said Wan Li, a researcher at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
"This small molecule originates from the plant itself, hence it's safe. It can inhibit the invasion of pathogens without causing harm to plants, humans or the ecosystem when properly used," he added.
His team's research findings, titled "Activation of a helper NLR by plant and bacterial TIR immune signaling", were published in the journal Science on Friday.
Chinese scientists have discovered a small molecule in plant cells that can trigger immunity.
The molecule, which has been patented, can potentially be developed into a broad-spectrum biopesticide, helping plants such as crops resist diseases.
"Once this biopesticide is put into use, it can function when it's sprayed on a plant's surface and is absorbed by the plant. Based on existing scientific knowledge, it potentially can be applied to different plants and combat many diseases," said Wan Li, a researcher at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
"This small molecule originates from the plant itself, hence it's safe. It can inhibit the invasion of pathogens without causing harm to plants, humans or the ecosystem when properly used," he added.
His team's research findings, titled "Activation of a helper NLR by plant and bacterial TIR immune signaling", were published in the journal Science on Friday.
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