Induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plant disease management–A review

Disease management options currently available to farmers do not provide adequate control of plant diseases and there is a need for new disease management strategies. Induced systemic resistance (ISR) of plants against pathogens is a widespread phenomenon that has been intensively reviewed with respect to the underlying signalling pathways as well as to its potential use in plant protection. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is also vital plant defense system that confers broad spectrum resistance accompanied by coordinated expression of SAR genes. The present review focuses on international and indigenous research efforts in resistance induction in plants to the pathogen attack. It provides a perceptible review on the agents inducing systemic disease resistance and the mechanism underlying the induction of resistance. Recent trends in plant disease management in India cover the use of chemicals, plant extracts, cultural methods and the use of biological agents. Each and every agent posSesses inherent ability to induce resistance mechanism of the host systemically. Such hidden efficacy can be potentially utilized for plant disease management.