Elicitor

As elicitors (also: inducers or messengers) substances are referred to in plant physiology, the defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens trigger ( induce ).

An example of a defense reaction is the synthesis of phytoalexins.

Elicitors can be either endogenous or exogenous origin. Endogenous elicitors serve as a signal between cells ( ie as a hormone); exogenous elicitors are substances that are secreted from other organisms, and recognized by the plant.

• As endogenous elicitors used, for example, the following substances: Jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and systemin as endogenous signaling molecules
• Oligosaccharides, and membrane proteins that arise during the dissolution of the cell wall by certain fungi

• As exogenous elicitors used, for example, the following substances: Sterols from fungi
• Volicitin from the saliva of certain predators