Plant gums are complex polysaccharides. They are commonly found on damaged plant tissues, mostly on woody plants. Gums are formed due to damage caused by insects, infections or are caused by chemical or mechanical factors. The formation of gums prevents infection and loss of water. Ethylene is a key hormone in gum production. Stress factors, like insect, microbial of fungal attacks and water stress, induce ethylene production. Jasmonates are also an important group of hormones that cause plant gum formation. A lot of research is being done on plant gum formation in Rosaceae plants. In this family we can find different Prunus plants, where gum production can have a negative impact on fruit yields and tree growth. Gums can also form on bulbs of grape hyacinths, tulips and narcissus. Plant gums are important for human use. Plant gums are used in commercial food product and in pharmaceutical as well as in cosmetical products. Gums produced by Rosaceae plants are comparable to commercial gums. They have the potential to preserve and enhance the food quality. This potential is related to their low cost, availability, non-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and ability to promote chemical modifications.
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