Plant defense and nutrients: a balancing act for plant health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59741/agraria.v23i3.707Keywords:
Pathogens. Pests. Plant nutrition. Macronutrients. Micronutrients.Abstract
The mineral nutrients that feed plants not only help them grow but also play a key role in protecting them against pests and pathogens. This article discusses the role of macro- and micronutrients and beneficial elements in plant defense. Some of these nutrients act as warning signals, others stimulate the production of antimicrobial or repellent substances, and still others reinforce cell structures to prevent invasion by pathogens. It also mentions how nutritional imbalance can affect the susceptibility of plants to attack by harmful organisms. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balance in fertilization to achieve healthy and resistant crops. However, there are still gaps in information on the relationship between plant nutrition and defense, so further research is needed to enable its use as a key tool for plant health.
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