Biotic Stress and Plant Protection Flashcards
Under ideal conditions, what can we expect from a plant?
maximum height, weight, fruit production, etc. that is only limited by genetics
________ would be the primary factor that determines a plant’s phenotype
genetics
environment
the surroundings or conditions in which an organism lives or operates
how does the environment influence plants?
influences how they grow and perform
stress
is any environmental condition that prevents a plant from achieving its full genetic potential
2 types of stress
abiotic and biotic stress
abiotic stress
caused by non-living factors
examples of abiotic stress
weather, salinity, nutrient imbalance (too much/little N/K/P)
Biotic stress
caused by living things called biotic stressors
types of biotic stressors
weeds, animals, pathogens, nematodes
examples of plant responses to stress
altered appearance, reduced photosynthesis, less fruit, reduced productivity
Physical defense examples
cell wall structure
cork layer
waxy layer
formation of abscission layer (cell death)
deposition of gum
spikes
hairs (trichomes)
constitutive defenses
chemical defenses that are always present
examples of constitutive defenses
pH, nutrient deprivation, plant defensins, phytoanticipins, oils, repellent compounds, plant-derived insecticides/fungicides
plant defensins
small proteins that protect against parasites
phytoanticipins
plant-based compounds with antibiotic properties
Nutrient deprivation
chemicals produced that hinder nutrient absorption in insects
induced responses
chemical defenses that are temporary and made in response to attack (usually very costly)
examples of induced responses
toxic chemicals
pathogen-degrading chemicals
defense-related proteins
symptoms of biotic stress
chlorosis, necrosis, reddening/purpling, blights, twisting
chlorosis
plant yellowing due to loss of chlorophyll
necrosis
localized death of living tissue
almost ___ of crops are lost to pests or weeds
40%
____ of pesticides are used in agriculture
77%
protecting plants from biotic stress is the realm of _________
plant protection
how is abiotic stress dealt with?
agronomic practices
examples of managing abiotic stress
add water (irrigation)
remove or move water (drainage system)
fertilizer
seeding rates
rotations, intercropping
tillage (or no tillage)
plant (crop) protection components
biosecurity, integrated pest management, pest identification, plant breeding/biotechnology,
crop biosecurity
prevents, minimizes, and controls the introduction and spread of plant pests at farm level
integrated pest management
an ecologically based method of biotic stressors of a plant
most common method for managing biotic stress
kill the organism causing the stress
herbicides
kills weeds
fungicide
kills fungus or oomycete
insecticide
kills insects
acaricide
kills mites
nematocide
kills nematodes
antibiotic
kills bacteria
plant protection
a discipline dedicated to reducing biotic stress and avoiding economic costs