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A chemical failsafe can save crops from disease without crushing growth
- May 5, 2026 at 6:40 PM
- 28 views
Salicylic acid, the active molecule in aspirin and some acne medications, is a hormone in plants that is essential for immunity, but it's a double-edged sword: Too much can cause autoimmunity and stunt growth. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered that plants use a surprising multi-layered system to regulate salicylic acid levels and keep their immune system in check.
Originally published at Phys.org