Canonical autophagy is the primary pathway that controls the degradation of organelles and cytoplasmic components for nutrient recycling and cellular protection in all eukaryotes. Autophagy can be highly selective and through the selective receptors, targets specific organelles under stress conditions. I will discuss selective autophagy pathways in plants that mediate the degradation of the endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts and discuss their effects in nutrient mobilization, cellular protection against oxidative stress and development.