Findings could lead to natural bacterial anti-infectives in
food-producing plants
When bacteria attack plants, they often inject harmful
proteins into the host plants’ cells to weaken and suppress natural defenses.
However, in some plants, bacteria attack once they’ve recognized the plant
cells as a potential host. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have
identified and replicated the process that allows the bacteria—known mostly for
attacking tomatoes—to invade its host. This discovery could lead to natural
anti-infective treatments that work with food-producing plants to enhance
resistance to harmful bacteria in the field.