Boron element can enhance the disease resistance of plants mainly through the following mechanisms:
1. Cell wall synthesis
Boron element participates in the formation and stability of cell walls, enhancing the strength and stability of cell walls. Strong cell walls can reduce the ability of pathogenic bacteria to invade crop cells, thereby reducing the occurrence of diseases.
2. Activation of resistance-related genes
Boron activates genes related to plant disease resistance. The activation of these genes will prompt plants to produce a series of disease-resistant metabolites and disease-resistant proteins, such as antimicrobial peptides and antioxidant enzymes, strengthening the plant’s defense and blockade of pathogens and improving disease resistance.
3. Boron can improve immune response
Boron can stimulate the activity of the plant immune system and promote the production of immune-related substances by plants, such as hormones, secondary metabolites and immune proteins. These substances can enhance the plant’s immune response and improve its ability to recognize and attack pathogens.
4. Regulate substance transfer
Boron can affect the transfer and distribution of substances within plants. It participates in the absorption, transport and utilization of calcium in plants, regulating the concentration and dynamic balance of cellular calcium. Calcium is an important signaling substance in the disease resistance response of many plants. It can activate the expression of a variety of disease resistance-related genes and enhance the disease resistance of plants.
5. Nutritional balance control
Boron is involved in the absorption, transport and utilization of multiple plant nutrients. It is related to elements such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and can regulate the nutritional balance of plants. A good nutritional balance facilitates plant growth and development, enhances the plant’s overall health and thereby improves its disease resistance.
6. Boron can inhibit pathogen growth
Boron element has a certain bactericidal effect and can directly inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. It inhibits the growth of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi, thereby reducing the infection of plants by pathogenic bacteria and improving plant disease resistance.
The disease resistance effect of boron on plants is the result of a combination of multiple mechanisms. The specific mechanism of action may vary depending on factors such as plant species, pathogen species, and environmental conditions. However, it is important to note that boron is not a panacea for disease resistance, but is used as a supplement to enhance plant disease resistance. In actual disease management, other measures need to be comprehensively used, such as disease prevention, pathogen identification, and rational fertilization, to maintain the healthy growth of crops.
