Is modulating virus virulence by induced systemic resistance realistic?

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Crop Protection

Background:

• Plant resistance mechanisms, including systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and induced systemic resistance (ISR), offer alternatives for managing viral diseases in crops.
• SAR involves salicylic acid, alternative oxidase, reactive oxygen species, and RNA silencing, cooperating to inhibit virus replication and movement.
• ISR, particularly through rhizobacteria, shows promise for controlling virus diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of SAR and ISR in managing plant virus infections.
• To highlight the role of salicylic acid and RNA silencing in SAR against viruses.
• To discuss the potential of ISR as a strategy for virus disease management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of plant resistance mechanisms against viruses.
• Analysis of SAR pathways involving salicylic acid, RNA silencing, and reactive oxygen species.
• Evaluation of ISR strategies, including seed bacterization with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

Main Results:

• SAR mechanisms are diverse and can inhibit virus replication, cell-to-cell, and long-distance movement.
• Salicylic acid can activate RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1-mediated RNA silencing, cooperating with SAR.
• Benzothiadiazole and chitosan show potential in reducing virus disease severity, while ISR is a promising strategy.

Conclusions:

• SAR and RNA silencing closely cooperate in plant defense against virus infections.
• ISR induction, especially via seed bacterization, is a promising strategy for virus disease control.
• Integrated pest management, combining SAR/ISR with reduced vector pressure (insecticides, Bt crops), is recommended.