Plants and their fruit are subjected to various environmental stresses during their lifetime. Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone that acts as a signal molecule in the response of the plant to environmental stress or pathogen attack. Its signal provokes systemic acquired resistance (SAR), which, through various mechanisms, is able to induce the expression of genes, for the defense of plants against stress and pathogens. The endogenous content of SA can be triggered by various abiotic or biotic factors from the environment, and its responses are also activated by exogenous application. SA plays an important role in preserving the fruit quality by inhibiting the synthesis of ethylene, reducing the degree of respiration and the activity of enzymes responsible for cell wall degradation. It also increases the effect of antagonistic yeasts in the control of rotting, caused by fungal plant pathogens. The effect of SA depends on the way of application, its endogenous content in the plant and the stage of plant development.
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