Hydroxyproline-rich glycopeptide signals in potato elicit signalling associated with defense against insects and pathogens

•We identified an orthologous cDNA encoding HypSys defense glycopeptides in potato.•Transcriptional activation of the cDNA demonstrated.•Precursor protein contained a leader peptidase site and three proline-rich HypSys peptides.•Three HypSys peptides elicit H2O2 generation, and activate antioxidant defense enzymes.•Role of the peptides in eliciting defense response in young potato leaves examined.