Salicylic acid signaling

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic derivative, found in a wide range of plant species. Signaling role of SA in plants, particularly in defense against pathogens, has only become evident during the past 20 years. In addition to its role in plant defense responses against pathogens, SA has also functions in plant responses to abiotic stress factors such as drought, chilling, heavy metal toxicity, heat, and osmotic stress. During the entire lives of the plants, physiological and biochemical processes including photosynthesis, ion uptake, membrane permeability, enzyme activities, flowering, heat production, and growth and development of plants are regulated by SA. For our better understanding, it is important to know how complex SA signaling works in these physiological processes. Therefore, we need to learn how SA acts and which molecules are related to its roles in plant growth and development. Here, the role of SA during plant growth and development will be discussed.