Plants have an immune system, like people, and when it is triggered by threats like disease or pests, a plant’s defenses are activated. But there’s a downside to this protective mechanism: the plant’s growth is suppressed when its immune system is turned on. Colorado State University researchers have found a way to boost a plant’s growth while maintaining its immunity through a hormone treatment that shows promise for food production.
Plant hormone therapy could improve global food security by balancing growth with immunity
