Pathogen challenge in Arabidopsis cotyledons induces enhanced disease resistance at newly formed rosette leaves via sustained upregulation of WRKY70.

Pathogenic microorganisms often target seedlings shortly after germination. If plants exhibit resistance or resilience to pathogens, those exposed to pathogen challenge may grow further and form new unchallenged leaves. The purpose of this study was to examine disease resistance in the newly formed leaves of plants subjected to pathogen challenge.