Natural plant defenses refer to the innate mechanisms plants use to defend against pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. These defenses can be physical, such as thick leaves or spiny structures, or chemical, such as the production of toxins or repellents. Plants also produce secondary metabolites like alkaloids and terpenes, which act as deterrents to herbivores and pathogens. Additionally, plants can employ mutualistic relationships with beneficial organisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria or predator insects, to enhance their resilience. By selecting and breeding crops with strong natural defenses, farmers can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and foster more sustainable farming systems.
Title : Socioeconomic constraints in the implementation of integrated pest management in crops
Shashi Vemuri, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, India
Title : Development of Virginia mountain mint as a potential commercial crop in the southern USA
Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Alabama A&M University, United States
Title : Seed-cotton (or kapas) agricultural pollution and environmental health impact assessment
Vijayan Gurumurthy Iyer, Techno-Economic-Environmental Study and Check Consultancy Services, India
Title : Monitoring, threats and conservation strategies for plant biodiversity in Greek forest ecosystems
Alexandra D Solomou, Hellenic Agricultural Organization – Dimitra, Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems (IMFE), Greece
Title : Improving food system awareness with agritourism: The Tour de Farm in Duval County, Florida
Stephen Jennewein, University of Florida, United States
Title : Soil degradation and methods to improve soil fertility – Bulgaria case
Martin Banov, Institute of Soil Science Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection, Bulgaria