We have often heard of the various antibodies and healing properties that plants have. Consuming these plants or fruits helps us make our immune system stronger and reduce the chances of being affected by diseases. It brings us to wonder if plants too have an immune system from which these antibodies are sourced.
So, do plants have an immune system?
Yes, plants do have a passive immune system. It means that there are no specialized immunity cells to defend the plant from pathogens. However, there exists a rudimentary system that can launch specific immune responses and establish immune memory. So, unlike the adaptive immune system of animals, the plant can only have specific immunity that is triggered through rudimentary immune responses.
Plant Immune Response
Plants use simple methods to protect themselves from infectious pathogens. They produce plant cell walls, antibiotic compounds, and enzymes to tackle the pathogen. Although they don’t have antibodies or specialized cells, they have cell receptors to identify patterns of the pathogen. Once detected, the receptors trigger the production of chemicals. These chemicals help fight the pathogens and save the plant.
However, since plants only have a rudimentary immune system that is not capable of advanced defenses, it is best to provide the plant with proper care and prevent it from viral, fungal, and bacterial infestations.
Hygiene
One of the main reasons for the infestation of the plant is unhygienic growing conditions. It is very important to always ensure that the environment in which the plant is growing is clean.
Always use sterilized soil while potting the plant to reduce the chances of fungal and viral infections.
Grow your plant in an area where it has access to fresh air throughout the day. Stale air can be very damaging to the health of your plant and can make it prone to infestations.
So, hygiene is of prime importance to ensure that your plant is healthy.
Nutrition
Every plant needs food to survive. If the plant is not getting sufficient food, it starts to weaken. A weakened plant cannot trigger its defenses and is highly prone to infestations.
So, to ensure that the plant is capable of defending itself, it is very important to provide the plant with the right kind of nutrition. It can be done by providing fertilizers and manure to the plant if you see it starting to weaken.
Excess Water
Excess watering of the plant causes the plant to turn weak and soggy. The cells of the plant burst, and it is unable to trigger the required defense responses. Due to its weakened state, the plants become highly prone to being infected by pathogens. So, it is very important to provide the plant with the right amount of water. Also, ensure that there is no stagnant water left behind in the pot.
Thus, we can see that plants only have a rudimentary immune system capable of basic defenses. So, these are the steps to ensure that the plant remains healthy and free from pathogens.