Oxidative burst and plant disease resistance

Abstract

This mini-review summarizes briefly main facts and speculations on roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant interactions with pathogenic microflora. Examples relating the infection-induced oxidative burst with innate or acquired resistance or susceptibility are provided. Agents triggering ROS production, ROS sources and ROS-involving defense reactions are listed. Special attention has been drawn to the ROS involved in either resistance or compatibility and which are produced by both host and pathogen.