Scientific foundationsJasmonatesHormones central to defense against insects and pathogens, and to responding to mechanical damage (pruning, bites).Origin: Yolia LibraryExact route: /biblioteca?ruta=fundamentos/jasmonatos FULL TOPICJasmonates Name and classification Jasmonates. They constitute a family of plant hormones associated with defense against herbivores and against direct mechanical damage, documented as present in the 4 species of the catalog, with a proven role in the attack response. This family complements the defense provided by the acid. What it is They are central hormones within the defense response against active attack by insects and pathogens, as well as in the response to present mechanical damage, such as intentional pruning or direct biting of the plant tissue in question. Both fronts of attack activate different defense genes. Where and how it was studied Identified by rigorously studying the rapid response presented by plants attacked by herbivorous insects — activation of defense genes was observed both at the exact site of damage and in nearby, unattacked tissue. This finding confirmed a systemic defensive signaling. Why it matters for cultivation When a plant is attacked, jasmonates demonstrably activate a cascade of defensive responses — including the production of compounds that make the tissue less palatable, and signals that alert other parts of the plant. This cascade can activate within minutes of the first Chemistry — molecular structure They are compounds derived from fatty acids present within the plant cell, synthesized from cell membrane components that are actively released in a proven response to present damage on the tissue in question. This biochemical pathway is distinct from that of the hormones. Mechanism of action Physical damage to the tissue triggers the production of jasmonates at the exact site where the damage occurred, which are then transported, activating defense genes throughout the rest of the cultivated plant's complete structure. The speed of this response is key to limiting the damage. Where it occurs in the plant It is produced at the exact site where the damage or attack occurred, then transported from that point to the rest of the plant's structure, including tissue that was not directly attacked by the agent in question. This signal even travels to roots far from the point of damage. How it's regulated It exists in regulated tension with salicylic acid within the plant — when one of these 2 hormonal compounds is active, depending on the type of threat detected, it frequently partially suppresses the other in a dynamic balance. This balance decides which type of defense the plant prioritizes the. What triggers it Mechanical damage, such as intentional pruning or an active insect bite, turns out to be clearly distinct and differentiated from salicylic acid, which responds more specifically to detected pathogens like fungi and bacteria. Both types of threat require different defensive strategies. Which other processes it interacts with It exists in constant balance and tension with salicylic acid within the plant — the plant organism internally decides which of these 2 hormonal pathways to prioritize depending on the type of threat detected in each specific situation. This internal decision happens within minutes or hours. Relevant differences between catalog species The mechanism is universal among the species in the catalog; particularly documented after pruning events in rose, where mechanical damage clearly triggers this hormonal response in a proven, measurable way in the treated tissue. That's why over-pruning without additional support can weaken. How it's observed in practice Indirectly but consistently — a plant that has undergone pruning or recent damage demands more active defense resources, justifying the additional antioxidant support during that critical moment of the cycle. That support helps sustain both demands at once. What happens if the response is insufficient Greater vulnerability to additional insect attack is presented after a first episode has already occurred, especially if the defense signal fails to activate properly at its corresponding moment within the response cycle. That's why it's worth reinforcing management after any recent damage. How Yolia uses it This helps explain why a plant with recent damage, whether from an active pest or intentional pruning, can benefit from additional antioxidant support and complementary defense — its own hormonal response already demands resources from the actively cultivated plant. Common interpretation errors Not considering that after a real pruning is applied, the plant enters a genuine state of full defense, distinct from mere tissue recovery, which also consumes considerable resources throughout the entire response process. Differentiating between both processes helps to better interpret the Evidence and limits of current knowledge The mechanism is well documented in modern scientific literature; however, the exact tension balance with salicylic acid varies according to the type of threat being considered in each particular situation of the crop. This variability makes it difficult to generalize a single rule of. Related topics and modules Salicylic acid, a hormone in direct regulatory balance with this family — Anthocyanins, a shared metabolic pathway — Post-pruning recovery — Bud break in roses, the practical application context for this hormonal knowledge. Reviewing both topics helps anticipate the plant's response. Related topicsProteins and amino acidsPlant physiologyChloroplastHormones and signalingLight and radiationNucleus and gene expression