Understanding plants' overactive immune system will help researchers build better crops

A plant's immune system protects the plant from harmful pathogens. If the system overreacts to pathogens, it can stunt plant growth and reduce seed production. Now, University of Missouri researchers have identified important suppressors that negatively regulate the responses of the immune system in the plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Understanding the immune system of plants would allow breeders to create better yielding crop plants.

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<p><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news162642692.html">Understanding plants' overactive immune system will help researchers build better crops</a></p> <p>A plant's immune system protects the plant from harmful pathogens. If the system overreacts to pathogens, it can stunt plant growth and reduce seed production. Now, University of Missouri researchers have identified important suppressors that negatively regulate the responses of the immune system in the plant species <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>. Understanding the immune system of plants would allow breeders to create better yielding crop plants.</p>