Historically, this substance has been best known for its involvement in plant-pathogen recognition,[1] especially its role as a signal attracting and transforming unique, oncogenic bacteria in genus Agrobacterium.

Monocotyledons lack this wound response, which is considered the limiting factor in Agrobacterium-mediated gene transformation in monocots.

[6][7][8] In vitro studies show that acetosyringone increases mycorrhizae formation in the fungus Glomus intraradices.

[9] A total synthesis of this simple natural product was performed by Crawford et al. in 1956,[10] but is of limited contemporary synthetic interest.

Although it has a melting point of about 125 degree Celsius, it is not wise to autoclave acetosyringone along with the medium used for (for example) plant infiltration by microbes.