Core Viewpoint - The recent studies reveal a newly identified biosynthetic pathway for salicylic acid in plants, highlighting its conserved nature across seed plants and providing insights into disease resistance mechanisms in major crops [4][7][16]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team from Sichuan University identified a three-step biosynthesis pathway of salicylic acid from benzoyl-CoA in plants, which includes the formation of benzyl benzoate, followed by hydroxylation to produce benzyl salicylate, and finally hydrolysis to yield salicylic acid [3][4][6]. - The genes encoding the three key enzymes (BEBT, BBO, and BSH) involved in this pathway are widely present in various plants, including willows, poplars, soybeans, and rice, indicating a broad conservation of this biosynthetic route [6][10]. - The studies from Zhejiang University and Zhejiang Normal University further confirmed the conservation of this biosynthetic pathway in rice and other crops, establishing a comprehensive understanding of salicylic acid synthesis from phenylalanine [10][13][16]. Group 2: Implications for Agriculture - The identification of the salicylic acid biosynthesis pathway provides a molecular basis for understanding the differences in disease resistance mechanisms among different plant groups, particularly major food crops [4][7]. - This research opens new directions and targets for breeding disease-resistant crop varieties, which is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability [4][7][16].