Plant defense strategies: The dual armor of disease resistance and tolerance

Abstract Pathogen infections pose a significant threat to plant health, global food security, and ecosystems. In order to reduce tissue damage and enhance survival during pathogen infections, plants have evolved elaborate defense mechanisms to fend off these threats, with disease resistance and tolerance serving as two cornerstone strategies. Disease resistance involves the plant's ability to actively repel, contain, or kill pathogens, whereas disease tolerance refers to the plant's capacity to endure infection with minimal adverse impact on its growth and reproduction. Although significant progress has been made in understanding disease resistance, the molecular mechanisms underlying disease tolerance remain poorly understood. This review underscores the significance of both strategies and emphasizes the critical need for further research into tolerance to enhance our comprehension of plant immunity and improve disease control strategies. Such research could facilitate the development of more effective and sustainable agricultural practices.