Induced resistance in plant pathology - Consequences for the quality of plant foodstuffs?

The induction of resistance mechanisms for plant protection against pathoge ns is going to be a method which allows to bypass the application of synthe tic fungizids and to avoid residues of pesticides. The aim of this method i s to change the metabolism of the plant in a way that the production of def ensive compounds is enforced. This is done by the application of so-called elicitors which mimic the infection by a pathogen leading to a defensive re sponse very often coinciding with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites known as "bioactive compounds". They are mostly regarded to be beneficial for human health. However, it cannot in general be concluded that each appl ication of resistance inducing methods wilt necessarily increase the qualit y of foodstuffs with regard to their chemical composition. In each individu al case of induced resistance it has thoroughly to be studied which kind an d which quantity of secondary metabolites are involved in the defence react ion.