Plant Protection specialist

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Abstract Non-host resistance (NHR) is one of the most durable and widespread forms of plant resistance against pathogens. Previously referred to as “apparent resistance,” NHR operates beyond structural barriers such as leaf surface topography, stomatal characteristics, and management-related factors including planting dates, and involves complex genetic and molecular mechanisms. Recent studies have shown that NHR includes molecular recognition of the pathogen, activation of systemic defense pathways, expression of resistance-related genes, and interactions with plant signaling networks, although many of these mechanisms remain incompletely understood. These features position NHR as a key target for enhancing the durability and breadth of plant resistance against a wide range of diseases. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the genetic and molecular aspects of NHR, the known mechanisms, and examples of its application across different plant species, emphasizing that a deeper understanding of this resistance can serve as a foundation for genetic engineering and the future development of disease-resistant crops.

Abstract Pesticides are chemical compounds used to control plant pests and diseases, yet their residues can harm the environment and human health. When exposed to these toxic substances, plants employ complex mechanisms of metabolism and detoxification that help them mitigate the harmful effects of these compounds. These mechanisms include processes such as converting pesticides into non-toxic compounds, transporting them to other parts of the plant, or eliminating them through metabolic pathways. At the molecular level, metabolic enzymes such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases, and carboxylesterases play key roles in neutralizing pesticides and altering their chemical structures. These enzymes convert pesticide molecules into less toxic metabolites that reduce damage to plant tissues. In addition, transport proteins such as P-glycoproteins contribute to the movement and compartmentalization of these toxic substances and their metabolic derivatives. Plants also protect themselves through antioxidant systems and other mechanisms, including conjugation with peptide compounds or phenolic derivatives. Studies have shown that genetic differences among plant species can greatly influence the efficiency of detoxification pathways, with some species capable of degrading or eliminating pesticides more rapidly and effectively. Such research can support the development of more sustainable agricultural practices and optimize pesticide use to reduce environmental and health risks.

Abstract Whiteflies are one of the important vectors of plant viruses that feeding of plant as a general pest, and also have a very high potential for transmitting plant viruses. Whiteflies transmit about 114 species of plant viruses belonging to 5 genera in three families. Among them, the Begomovirus genus has the highest percentage of transmission by whiteflies, which are transmitted exclusively by the Bemisia tabasi and in a persistent manner. The Crinivirus and Colesterovirus viruses belonging to the family Colesteroviridae are transmitted semi-persistent by various species of Trialeuroides and Bemisia, and members of the genus Ipomoviruses (Potyviridae family) are transmitted non-persistent and semi-persistent by various species of whiteflies. The virus species and pathogenicity, the species and biotype, sex and age of the vector, the presence of symbionts in the hemolymph and the resistance of the vector to various chemical toxins are the most important factors to determining the efficiency of plant virus transmission by whiteflies.

Abstract Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) is a process in which host plant cells can suppress the expression of genes in pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or pests. HIGS is a type of RNA interference (RNAi) used by eukaryotic cells to regulate gene expression and defend against pathogens. Plant pathogenic fungi are a major threat to global food security and represent one of the largest groups of crop pathogens. Therefore, HIGS has attracted attention due to its potential applications in crop protection and disease management. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of HIGS is essential to fully exploit its potential and develop effective applications in agriculture and biotechnology. In this study, we discuss the definition of HIGS, key aspects of RNA silencing mechanisms, strategies for using RNA silencing to study fungal pathogenicity, and the development of fungal resistance through expression of silencing constructs in host plants as a powerful disease control strategy. We also highlight recent findings on the use of HIGS as a tool for engineering disease resistance and describe the SIGS method as an approach to study HIGS mechanisms.

Abstract The scientific-promotional journal Giahpezeshk , in line with its mission to enhance the scientific and motivational awareness of students and agricultural professionals, has conducted a cordial interview with Dr. Soraya Navid, Advisor to the Minister on Youth and Elites in the agricultural sector. In this conversation, she speaks about her academic journey, the challenges of student life, the necessity of transformation in agriculture, and the role of young people in shaping the future of the nation’s food security.

I am the Advisor to the Minister on Youth and Elites in the agricultural sector, a position to which I was appointed about a year ago. I was born in 1991 and hold a Ph.D. degree from the University of Tehran, specializing in Crop Ecology within the Department of Agronomy. I am truly pleased to be here with you. To speak honestly, during middle and high school I was always among the top students and maintained a strong GPA; however, on the day of the university entrance exam, due to the stress I experienced, my ranking was not as high as I had expected, and I was unable to enter other fields of study. Since all members of my family were educated, they advised me to simply choose the field in which I had been accepted. Therefore, without any particular encouragement, I chose agriculture.

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