›› 2004, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (4): 507-514.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Plant resistance to insects induced by application of exogenous jasmonic acid and methyl jasmonate

GUI Lian-You1,2, LIU Shu-Sheng1, CHEN Zong-Mao2*   

  • Online:2004-08-20 Published:2004-08-20
  • Contact: CHEN Zong-Mao

Abstract: This article reviews the molecular structures of jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate (MJA), the resistance to insects by plants induced by application of exogenous JA and MJA and the induction mechanisms. In many plants, defense systems against insect herbivores can be induced by application of exogenous JA or MJA. Exogenous JA or MJA can activate plant defense genes either via the octadecanoid pathway or acting directly on the genes. Activation of defense genes leads to metabolic reconfiguration to produce the following four types of responses: (1) direct defense: production of toxic compounds, protein ase inhibitors and oxidative enzymes, and behaviour-modifying volatiles against herbivores; (2) indirect defense: production of volatiles for recruiting natural enemies of herbivores; (3) no defense; and (4) negative defense: production of volatiles attractive to herbivores.

Key words: Jasmonic acid, methyl jasmonate, plant resistance to insects, induction