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Decursin, Identified via High-Throughput Chemical Screening, Enhances Plant Disease Resistance via Two Independent Mechanisms

Summary

Researchers identified a natural compound called decursin from angelica plants that helps plants fight off dangerous fungal infections in two ways: it strengthens the plant’s own immune system and directly kills the fungal pathogens. This dual-action approach makes decursin a promising natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting crops like wheat and tomatoes from diseases. The compound shows particular promise because it comes from plants, breaks down easily in the environment, and is more effective than other natural antimicrobial compounds currently used in agriculture.

Background

Plants have evolved a complex two-tiered innate immunity system to protect themselves from phytopathogens. Chemical screening has identified immune-priming compounds that help understand plant immune responses and contribute to disease control. This study identified decursin through high-throughput screening for activators of FRK1 expression.

Objective

To identify bioactive small molecules that activate plant immunity through chemical screening and to elucidate the mechanisms by which decursin enhances plant disease resistance against fungal pathogens.

Results

Decursin activated FRK1 expression dose- and time-dependently, triggering ROS burst, MAPK activation, and defense gene expression. CERK1 and LYK4/LYK5 lysM-receptor kinases were essential for decursin-induced immune responses. Decursin exhibited potent antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium oxysporum with EC50 values as low as 3.299 μM, and protected wheat and tomato plants from fungal infection.

Conclusion

Decursin enhances plant disease resistance through two independent mechanisms: activation of plant immunity via CERK1/LYK5 signaling and direct inhibition of fungal growth, making it a promising natural agrochemical for sustainable disease control.
  • Published in:Molecular Plant Pathology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1111/mpp.70101, PMID: 40451776
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