I can already see the problem. Plants are smart and will not keep up
with the systemic acquired resistance just because of the presence of
a single protein of a pest. If they wouldn't mind to keep the
resistance constantly on, they would do anyway. But they don't. In
the natural situation, the pathway will be switched on in part
because of harpin. And if the response as a whole is successful, the
pathogen will eventually vanish. But when you keep applying the
protein, eventually the plants will turn off their signal perception
and consequently their resistance in spite of the presence of the
protein. Then, when the real pathogen comes along, this particular
protein may not serve as a signal any longer, because the plants are
desensitized.
In the end, the protein didn't help the plant to develop resistance,
but prevents it from doing so.
I think the question is not, if Harpin is allowed in organic farming.
The question is, if it makes sense. And it does not in my eyes.
Companion planting and all the other good permaculture practices must
be the solution.
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