Natural defence against pathogens and parasites - Avoidance

10 important questions on Natural defence against pathogens and parasites - Avoidance

What reduces the chance of contact between host or food plant and a potential attacker, usually as a result of a particular morphology, phenology or odor?

- Avoidance mechanisms reduce the chance of contact.
- Examples include mimicry, camouflage, and chemicals that deter attackers.

What are some of the physical avoidance mechanisms mentioned?

- Physical avoidance mechanisms are thorns and spines.
- Structures that deter physical contact with attackers.

How does synchrony with a parasite's life cycle play a role in avoidance?

- Asynchronous development can prevent infestation.
- Avoidance is effective if timing does not match the parasite's life cycle.
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What is an example of mimicry in avoidance, and which species does it involve?

- Mimicry is found in some Passiflora species.
- They mimic the leaves of inedible Heliconius larvae host plants.

What chemical mechanism is deployed by plants to discourage oviposition?

- Chemicals that impersonate already laid eggs.
- These prevent further egg-laying by indicating the site is 'occupied'.

What term is used for plants releasing chemicals that deter attackers without any physical contact?

- The term for this is antixenosis.
- It implies passive acceptance of repellents by attackers.

How does the physical structure of a plant affect the micro-climate and deter fungal infestations?

- Plant structure can influence the micro-climate.
- Horizontal leaves or crop architecture may deter fungi.

What effect can plants' growth habits have on the spread of disease?

- Growth habits like trellising can impact disease spread.
- Changing the micro-climate to deter pathogens.

What affects the pathogen's ability to detect stomates on plant leaves?

- Deviating epidermal morphology or excessive cuticular wax can affect pathogen detection of stomates.
- This detection difficulty is due to avoidance mechanisms acting before contact between pathogen and plant.

What is the difference between avoidance and escape in plant pathology?

- Escape refers to plants being less infected, or not infected due to chance.
- Avoidance is linked to properties of the plant, while escape is due to environmental conditions or inoculum densities.
- Breeders should minimize the chance of escape to avoid selecting plants that appear resistant but are not.

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