Palm Research Center at Basra University Holds a Seminar on Plant Defense Mechanisms
The Palm Research Center at Basra University organized a seminar on plant defense mechanisms. The seminar, which was delivered by lecturer Anşam Mahdi Saleh, aimed to shed light on the role of plants in resisting biotic stresses (such as viruses, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and herbivores) and abiotic stresses (such as temperature, drought, flooding, salinity, heavy metals, light, wind, and mechanical damage).
Saleh explained that there are two types of plant defense mechanisms:
- Direct mechanisms: These mechanisms are always present and represent the first line of defense. They include the thickness of the outer cell wall of epidermal cells, the small size of stomata and lenticels, the thickness of the wax layer and cuticle, and the presence of thorns and hairs.
- Indirect mechanisms: These mechanisms are usually induced by the plant when damage occurs or is imminent. They involve a physiological process that takes a different path than the plant's normal metabolism to produce secondary metabolites. These metabolites are plant compounds with complex chemical structures and include phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, essential oils, and tannins.
Saleh also highlighted the fact that palm trees are among the most stress-resistant plants, as they can withstand high temperatures, drought, and salinity
