Salicylic Acid, or Salicylate, is one of several Plant Growth Regulators, or PGRs.
Salicylic Acid (sometimes known as SA) is synthesized organically from the amino acid Phenylalanine. It is utilized by the plant during photosynthesis and transpiration, and is also involved in plant defense. SA is used internally by the plant as a signal carrier during heightened defense response against pathogens. SA is a component of SAR, or System Acquired Resistance, which allows all parts of the plant to defend against a pathogen detected in only one part of the plant. With some pathogens and herbivorous insect attacks, the plant may convert SA (via esterization) into Methyl Salicylate, which even in small quantities is capable of both poisoning herbivorous insects and signalling nearby plants to dangerous pathogenic attacks.
Through an esterification reaction, SA can be converted into Acetylsalicylic Acid (or aspirin) after having been treated with Acetic Anhydride.
PhytoTech Products
Acetylsalicylic Acid is available from PhytoTechnology Laboratories as Product Number A118.
L-Phenylalanine is available from PhytoTechnology Laboratories as Product Number P778.