transgenerational-priming
Transgenerational priming refers to the phenomenon whereby a plant's exposure to stress, pathogens, or environmental cues induces molecular changes—such as epigenetic modifications—that are passed on to its offspring, preparing them to respond more effectively to similar challenges. This process allows plant populations to adapt more rapidly to recurring environmental pressures without altering their underlying DNA sequence, offering insight into non-genetic inheritance mechanisms. Understanding transgenerational priming has significant implications for improving crop resilience and stress tolerance across generations in agricultural and ecological contexts.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-06-26
Plants use a hormone called salicylic acid as a master switch to activate their immune systems when attacked by pathogens. This review maps how that switch works—from the moment a plant detects a threat to the long-term, inherited disease resistance it can pass to future generations.
Salicylic acid (SA) is a central coordinator of both local and systemic (whole-plant) immune responses, operating through highly interconnected signaling networks rather than a single linear pathway.
SA signaling interacts with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and multiple other plant hormones in coordinated crosstalk, meaning immunity is a network effect, not a solo act.
SA-mediated defenses can prime transgenerational resistance—plants can pass acquired immune memory to their offspring, offering a potential avenue for durable crop protection without chemical inputs.