Seaweed extract (Stella Maris®) activates innate immune responses in Arabidopsis thaliana and protects host against bacterial pathogens

Insects and pathogenic infections (bacteria, viruses and fungi) cause huge losses in agriculturally important crops yearly. Due to the rise in pesticide and antibiotic resistance, our crops and livestock are increasingly at risk. There is a rising demand for environmentally friendly solutions to prevent crop decreases. Components of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts were recently found to boost plant immunity. The stimulatory activities of the A. nodosum marine alga-derived extract (Stella Maris®) were investigated in a broad range of immune assays. Elevated hydrogen peroxide production measured in a chemiluminescence assay suggested that the extract elicited a strong burst of reactive oxygen species. Arabidopsis seedlings treated with Stella Maris® activated the expression of WRKY30, CYP71A12 and PR-1 genes, the induction of which represent early, mid and late plant immune response, respectively. Finally, this study found that Stella Maris® inhibited the growth of multiple bacterial pathogens, including an opportunistic human pathogen that has demonstrated pathogenicity in plants. In summary, the pre-treatment with the seaweed extract protected Arabidopsis against subsequent infection by these pathogens.