Plant peptides are small signaling molecules that help plants defend themselves against diseases and pests. These peptides can work by directly killing pathogens or by activating the plant’s immune system. Researchers have identified over 1000 different plant peptides, and this review explains how they work and how they could be used to create disease-resistant crops and natural biopesticides.
Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis strain TCX1 that can protect cucumber plants from a devastating fungal disease called Fusarium wilt. This bacterium both kills the fungus directly through special compounds it produces and strengthens the plant’s natural immune system. Additionally, the bacterium helps cucumber plants grow better by producing growth hormones and improving nutrient absorption, making it a promising natural solution for farmers.
Polyamines are natural compounds that act like chemical switches controlling how fungi produce useful medicines like antibiotics and statins. These molecules work by attaching to DNA and modifying histone proteins, which turns on or off the genes responsible for making pharmaceutical compounds. This research reveals that understanding polyamine control could help scientists increase antibiotic production and make plants more resistant to fungal diseases.