The Department of Plant Protection at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala, held a seminar titled The Role of Volatile Compounds Produced by Plants in Pathogen Resistance, presented by postgraduate student Noor Hassan Hadi.
The researcher discussed the key plants that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for communication and defense, highlighting their function as a natural protective line against insects and pathogens. She explained the mechanisms of producing and releasing these compounds, and clarified their role in strengthening the plant’s natural immunity. She also addressed how some microbes exploit these compounds to evade plant defenses.
The seminar concluded with several recommendations:
- Supporting research focused on plant responses to stress.
- Developing plant varieties with higher defensive capabilities.
- Expanding the use of essential oils as biopesticides.
- Studying techniques that reduce evaporation and increase the stability of volatile compounds.
