Advances in effect of potassium nutrition on plant disease resistance and its mechanism

Potassium nutrition status not only affects plant growth and development,but also plays an important role in plant resistance to diseases.This review paper summarized recent research advances in plant resistance to diseases in relation to potassium nutrition status.Improved potassium nutrition can strengthen plant resistance to diseases,by regulating various plant physiological metabolism pathways,mainly phenolic metabolism,carbon and nitrogen metabolism,and active oxygen metabolism.Potassium fertilizer is a main source to provide potassium nutrient to plant.Potassium fertilizer placement,types of potassium fertilizers,application rates,soil K status,etc.affect susceptibility of plant to diseases.Possible mechanisms associated with plant disease-resistance affected by potassium nutrition are discussed.Problems existing in this research field are also mentioned in this paper.Understanding the role of potassium nutrition in plant resistance to diseases will help to improve plant disease control and soil fertility managements.