ISHS Acta Horticulturae 381: International Symposium on Natural Phenols in Plant Resistance
PREFACE |
| Abstract:
In the course of the past two decades, several conferences have been held which were dedicated to either phenolic compounds or plant resistance. The purpose of the "International Symposium on Natural Phenols in Plant Resistance" held in Weihenstephan was to combine these two topics. It was intended to present a survey of the knowledge on the role of phenolic compounds in plant resistance towards biotic and abiotic stress. Furthermore, our particular aim was to promote cooperative research among the different disciplines concerned with plant resistance. A lot of basic scientific work is going on in this field just now. However, individualistic researchers often suffer from overspecialization. Recently, a scientist lamented: fingerprinting of molecules is in, understanding of plant pathology is out! So, where we are heading? We should do both: specialization and application of the scientific approaches to field-based studies. Thus, the meeting was a good chance to bring together the individual investigators and to facilitate more cross-boundary thinking among the diverse research groups. The outcome was a very successful meeting with 212 participants from 25 countries representing 4 continents. A lot of independent work groups from diverse fields of research came together for an interdisciplinary exchange of their results. It was also a pleasure to be able to greet some colleagues from eastern Europe. We thank the many participants and authors who all ensured the success of the symposium by presenting and discussing such a wide field of research. Moreover, we are indebted to the members of the scientific committee, who kindly took charge of the administration of this congress. Our special thanks go to the entire staff of our institute whose cooperation enabled a smooth preparation and running of all symposium events. Last, but not least, we want to thank all those without whose financial support and gifts this meeting could not have taken place on the same scale:
The great majority of the scientific contributions presented at the meeting are document in two volumes of Acta Horticulture. These comprise several reviews and numerous original research papers dealing with a variety of phenolic compounds, hosts, parasites and interactions thereof. Workers already familiar with these topics as well as neophytes in this expanding field of research are encouraged to make advantage of this reference book. It was clear from the great response to the symposium that there exists a wide interest in this area.
Hence, the results put forward here are considered to represent a good basis for a deeper understanding of the physiological processes involved in induced resistance.
Consistent application of these findings might provide promising solutions for the ecological challenges of the future. |
