Immunostimulation refers to the activation or enhancement of an organism's immune defenses through natural or synthetic compounds, triggering a heightened protective response. In plant science, this concept applies to the use of elicitors and biostimulants that prime plant immune systems, boosting resistance to pathogens without relying on conventional pesticides. Understanding how plants respond to immunostimulatory signals is key to developing sustainable crop protection strategies and breeding more resilient varieties.
Adding simple physical structures like gravel or rubber cords to fish tanks can boost the immune system of farmed rainbow trout, with rubber cord 'plants' proving especially effective at protecting fish health under crowded conditions.
1
Rubber cord enrichment significantly boosted immune activity (respiratory burst, peroxidase content, and lysozyme) in trout under double stocking density (p < 0.05)
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Gravel substrate increased social interactions and triggered signs of inflammatory immune activation in head kidney immune cells
3
A negative correlation between cortisol and body size suggested social hierarchy formation, indicating behavioral changes driven by environmental enrichment
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