Non-linearity of Plant Resistance to Pathogens Induced by N-methylated Compounds

The N-methylated resistance inducers act within two concentration ranges characterized by suppression of infection rates. Between these active ranges there is always an inactive range (5-7 decimal dilutions) characterized in general by a high rate of infection. This unique phenomenon is called the double immune response, which means a non-linear effect. If the time interval between pre-treatment and inoculation increases the active concentration values for the double immune response shift towards original higher dose values because of the continuous metabolism of methylated inducer in the host plant. The inactive range between the two active dose values remains the same. The multiple pre-treatment of plants with the inducer gives contrasting results: the active dose ranges shifted towards the original lower values. It seems that the two active concentrations of the inducer are always the same. Methylated inducers are potential formaldehyde (HCHO) generators. HCHO generates a time- and dose-dependent immun...