Studying the Role of Plant Secondary Metabolites in Plant Defense against Pathogens

Thesis Abstract

This project aims to study the role of plant secondary metabolites in plant defense against pathogens. Secondary metabolites are chemical compounds produced by plants that are not directly involved in growth and development but play important roles in plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. Pathogens pose a significant threat to plant health and can cause severe damage to crops. By investigating the role of secondary metabolites in plant defense, we can gain insights into the mechanisms underlying plant-pathogen interactions and potentially develop strategies for enhancing plant resistance to pathogens. The project will involve analyzing the composition and concentration of secondary metabolites in plants exposed to different pathogens, conducting bioassays to evaluate the effects of specific metabolites on pathogen growth and virulence, and exploring the signaling pathways involved in metabolite-mediated defense responses. The findings of this study will contribute to our understanding of plant defense mechanisms and may have implications for sustainable agriculture and disease management.