Growth-defense trade-off in plants: From hypothesis to principle to paradigm
1State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Hubei Provincial Research Center for Basic Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
Cell Host & Microbe
|August 14, 2025
Abstract:
The growth-defense trade-off describes a prevalent pattern where developing resistance traits compromises growth. In this Forum, we highlight the importance of inducible and specific resistance to safeguard growth in wild plant evolution and elite crop breeding, while discussing how the relationship between defense and growth extends beyond a simple trade-off.
Related Concept Videos
Short-distance Transport of Resources
16.5K
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
16.5K
Meristems and Plant Growth
46.9K
Plants grow throughout their lives; this is called indeterminate growth, and it distinguishes plants from most animals. Although certain parts of plants stop growing (e.g., leaves and flowers), others grow continuously—like roots and stems.
46.9K
Morphogenesis
28.8K
Plant morphogenesis—the development of a plant’s form and structure—involves several overlapping developmental processes, including growth and cell differentiation. Precursor cells differentiate into specific cell types, which are organized into the tissues and organ systems that make up the functional plant.
28.8K
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
58.0K
Vascular plants, which account for over 90% of the Earth’s vegetation, all undergo primary growth—which lengthens roots and shoots. Many land plants, notably woody plants, also undergo secondary growth—which thickens roots and shoots.
58.0K
Responses to Gravity and Touch
38.4K
Gravitropism: Plant Responses to Gravity
38.4K
Responses to Drought and Flooding
11.0K
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
11.0K


