XVI International Botanical Congess

Many cellular responses to extracellular signals are transmitted by a specific set of phospholipases (PLs). The role of these PLs in plant defense reactions were investigated with regard to different elicitors and insect feeding. The data demonstrate the involvement of at least two different PLs in plant defense reactions. PLA seems to be a general element of elicitor- and herbivore-induced signaling pathways, whereas PLC is involved in a much more differentiated response. Differences exist between various elicitors as well as insect feeding. We present data indicating the partially common use of signaling pathways by auxins and elicitors. The results are discussed in the context of signal transduction pathways involving octadecanoids, auxin and salicylic acid leading to various plant responses depending on quality of the signal.