Mulberry Responses to Biotic Challenges Associated with Climate Change: Crosstalk and Trade-Offs
摘要
Dynamic environmental fluctuations, including changes in temperature, soil moisture, light levels, and atmospheric constituents, consistently challenge mulberry plants. These climate changes significantly impact the mulberry ecosystem by altering pest and disease dynamics and shifting the phenological cycles of the plants. This chapter delves into the biotic challenges faced by mulberry plants, focusing on systemic acquired resistance, induced acquired resistance, and intricate defense mechanisms against biotic stresses. The complex interactions among jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), pathogen-related (PR) proteins, and other associated signaling pathways play a crucial role in orchestrating defense responses. These interactions often result in trade-offs between growth and defense mechanisms, where allocating resources to defense mechanisms can adversely affect the growth, development, and leaf yield of mulberry plants. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing sustainable sericulture practices amidst the challenges of climate change, ensuring the long-term viability of the silk industry. By focusing on these biotic challenges and adaptive strategies, this chapter aims to provide a thorough insight into the defense strategies of mulberry plants and their implications for sericulture amidst evolving environmental conditions.