Plants are sources of nourishment for thousands of different species of fungi, bacteria, invertebrates, vertebrates and even other plants. In order to thrive, plants possess a remarkable diversity of mechanisms to fend off attacks: recent research has demonstrated many complex and sophisticated defense mechanisms including internal signalling networks co–ordinating defense responses within the plant , and even the ability to warn neighbouring plants. The ability of plants to defend themselves is important for plants in their natural environment and of course for plants under cultivation. Indeed, man has made use of an increasing knowledge of plant defenses over the years to breed crop plants able to resist pest or pathogen attack. Plant Defense provides an overview of all major aspects of plant defense, including defense against pathogens, parasites, and invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores. The book looks at defense mechanisms incuding structural and chemical...
