Armour your plant defences naturally

As plant protection products are becoming more limited and less effective due to resistance and cost, farmers and agronomists are looking for more natural and sustainable options for disease prevention. One such option is salicylic acid, a compound found in plants that helps control immunity and triggers the plant’s natural defence response against harmful pathogens when stimulated by biotic and abiotic stresses. Salicylic acid also helps determine which microbes are in the root microbiome, making it a promising solution for integrated pest management.

Naturally Found

Salicylic acid, also known as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, was discovered in the bark of willow poplar trees. The salicin and salicylic acid found in these trees were used by the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians as natural remedies for pain, fever, and inflammation. Salicylic acid can also be found in many plant species in the form of either the free acid or its esters, such as Methyl salicylate.

Salicylic Acid as a Plant Elicitor

A healthy plant has strong cell walls that don’t allow pathogens to easily penetrate. However, if compromised or destroyed, a diseased cell releases degradation molecules which activate pathogenesis-related proteins (PR proteins) to elicit a defence response. PR proteins are a diverse group of plant proteins that are toxic to invading pathogens.

Healthy neighbouring cells activate their natural defences by producing phytoalexins. These phytoalexins are regulated by Salicylic acid (SA) and work alongside it to restrict bacterial replication in the jasmonic pathway.

In Summary

• Salicylic acid (SA) plays a pivotal role in naturally defending plants from future pathogens or stress.

• Increases the strength of plant cells, optimising overall growth, health, and nutritional balance.

• Is systemic and is easily absorbed. Increases cell division, photosynthesis, transpiration, nutrient uptake, and rooting. Helps with drought, salinity, and heat stress.

• Vital for the uptake of Silicon and Calcium, increasing their movement within the plant.

• Enhanced efficacy when used alongside Silicon (either as monosilicic acid or potassium silicate) in increasing the first line of defence against disease and insects.