We have found a form of resistance lacking host cell death, effective in cucumber against infection of Pseudoperonospora cubensis , in bean against Pseudomonas phaseolicola and Xanthomonas phaseoli , as well as in pepper against the Obuda pepper virus and Xanthomonas vesicatoria . In addition to the own pathogens of the host plants, this defense reaction, accompanied by cell enlargement and stimulated cell division, was also efficient against pathogen species that are in incompatible relationship with the given host plants (the nonhosts). This general defense reaction may manifest itself in different intensities: in cell enlargement of only a few plant cells or enlargement and proliferation of cells to such a degree that results in compaction of even larger tissue parts.