Jasmonic acid as a promoter of resistance in plants

Abstract

Practically all processes related to development and metabolism are controlled by one or more plant growth regulators. Jasmonic acid has been considered as belonging to a new class of phytohormone, known as a signaling molecule in plants in response to injury by herbivores, stress situations, in addition to several other functions in plants. This review presents the main steps in the discover and the steps taken to unravel the roles and biosynthesis pathway of jasmonic acid, its main focus on applications in agriculture, with emphasis on protection of plants against attack by insect pests, and stress situations, and results already achieved with its induction or application.