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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » Natural Products Utilization Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #149965
Title: TRICHOMES AND ROOT HAIRS: NATURAL PESTICIDE FACTORIES

Author
item Dayan, Franck
item Duke, Stephen

Submitted to: Pesticide Outlook
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2003
Publication Date: 8/1/2003
Citation: DAYAN, F.E., DUKE, S.O. TRICHOMES AND ROOT HAIRS: NATURAL PESTICIDE FACTORIES. PESTICIDE OUTLOOK. 2003. V.4. P.175-178.

Interpretive Summary: This is a review article. No int. summary is required.

Technical Abstract: The plant epidermis (the outer most layer of cells covering plants) is the part of a plant most exposed to the environment. Some plant species possess specialized epidermal cells called trichomes and root hairs protruding on the the surface of leaves, stems and/or roots. These cells are often involved in producing natural products with powerful biological activities, including antifungal, insecticidal and herbicidal properties. These compounds are thought to participate in the protection of plants against biotic challenges. This review discusses the production of natural pesticides by these amazing structures, as well as summarizes the practical significance of the existence of these special cells.