Elucidating the mechanism of action of copper heptagluconate on the plant immune system against Pseudomonas syringae in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L).

Results showed that soil drench applications can be highly effective for the prevention and control of bacterial speck in tomato plants, showing a reduction in symptoms of ∼ 50%. Moreover, application of Cu heptagluconate induced accumulation of the plant polyphenols caffeic and chlorogenic acids, and reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species in infected plants. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.