‘Aroma of resistance’ new way to protect tomatoes from deadly bacteria

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

A new way of protecting tomatoes from deadly bacteria has been dubbed the "aroma of resistance" - because it allows plants to sniff out danger.

Spanish scientists identified a new volatile compound, called alpha-terpineol, that effectively protects plants from Pseudomonas syringae, a pathogenic bacterium that causes severe damage to crops.

The research team says the "significant breakthrough" could improve crop management by providing "natural" and "highly effective" environmentally friendly protection.

Study co-author Julia Pérez-Pérez explained that, as in human interaction, plants have their own way of communication and defense.

She said: "They emit volatile compounds to alert their neighbors to danger and use their sense of smell to perceive the message".

Pérez-Pérez, a PhD student at Valencia Polytechnic University , added: "Imagine a field of tomatoes where the bacteria penetrate the leaves of a plant through the stomata.

"As it spreads, the plant defends itself from attack by releasing volatiles such as terpene.

"Other parts of the plant itself and neighboring plants 'smell' this chemical message and quickly close their stomata, preventing the entry of the pathogen and thus protecting the crop."

The same research team has already patented and licensed another volatile compound, HB, which also protects plants, with the company Meristem.

With the discovery of terpineol, they have a new method to strengthen the resistance of crops.

Pérez-Pérez said: "Both compounds are part of what we call the aroma of resistance, which symbolizes the smell of survival for tomato plants."

She says it is a very simple, cheap and environmentally friendly application as it can be sprayed directly on the plants or applied by diffuser devices.

Study co-author Dr Purificación Lisón said: "The use of these compounds offers the agricultural sector a new economic, fast and highly effective alternative to improve the yield of such an important crop as tomato."

Using the compounds in agricultural treatments would also reduce the use of chemical compounds, according to the research team whose findings were published in the journal Plant Physiology .

Dr. Pilar López Gresa, a Valencia Polytechnic University researcher, added: "This is not only beneficial for the environment but also promotes more sustainable agriculture."

The team says the natural strategy could serve as a protective barrier against bacteria and other infections and even protect plants from the effects of drought.

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