Azelaic acid

Definition

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It serves as a novel plant growth regulator, influencing various physiological processes in plants and contributing to their overall development and response to environmental stresses. This compound is gaining attention for its role in enhancing plant growth, inducing resistance to pathogens, and modifying plant responses to abiotic stresses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Azelaic acid can improve plant growth by stimulating root development and increasing nutrient uptake.
2. This compound has been found to enhance the production of secondary metabolites in plants, which are crucial for plant defense mechanisms.
3. Azelaic acid plays a role in regulating the plant's response to abiotic stresses, such as drought and salinity, helping maintain homeostasis.
4. It can modulate the expression of genes involved in stress responses, promoting better resilience against environmental challenges.
5. Research has shown that azelaic acid may enhance the efficacy of other plant growth regulators when used in combination.

Review Questions

• How does azelaic acid function as a plant growth regulator and what are its effects on plant physiology?
  • Azelaic acid functions by influencing key physiological processes such as root development, nutrient uptake, and secondary metabolite production. Its presence can stimulate growth and improve overall health by enhancing the plant's ability to respond to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This compound activates specific signaling pathways that lead to improved resilience and adaptation in various environmental conditions.
• Discuss the role of azelaic acid in enhancing pathogen resistance in plants and how this could benefit agricultural practices.
  • Azelaic acid enhances pathogen resistance by inducing the expression of defense-related genes and promoting the synthesis of secondary metabolites that deter pathogens. This heightened state of readiness allows plants to fend off diseases more effectively, which is particularly beneficial in agricultural settings where crop yields must be protected from various threats. Integrating azelaic acid into crop management strategies could reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, leading to more sustainable farming practices.
• Evaluate the potential applications of azelaic acid in improving plant responses to abiotic stressors, considering its mechanisms of action.
  • The potential applications of azelaic acid in improving plant responses to abiotic stressors are significant. By modulating gene expression related to stress tolerance and enhancing metabolic pathways that support survival during drought or salinity events, azelaic acid can help crops maintain productivity under challenging conditions. This could be particularly important as climate change increases the frequency of such stressors, allowing for the development of more resilient crop varieties that can thrive despite adverse environmental factors.

Related terms

Plant Growth Regulators: Chemicals that influence the growth and development of plants by regulating physiological processes such as cell division, elongation, and differentiation.

Dicarboxylic Acid: An organic compound containing two carboxyl functional groups, which can influence plant metabolism and signaling pathways.

Pathogen Resistance: The ability of plants to defend against disease-causing organisms, often enhanced by specific compounds like azelaic acid.