ABSTRACT
For example, the gene that codes for (i.e., causes the “manufacture” of) harpin protein is only present in a few bacteria (e.g., Erwinia amylovora), but R genes (i.e., those responsible for “surveillance” and activation of plant defense responses) that respond to the presence of harpin are present within the genomes of numerous species of plants. Thus, the spraying of synthetic harpin protein onto any of those numerous species of (crop) plants causes those particular plants to initiate a protective or defensive response (cascade) against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even some insects.
