Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Plants: Morpho-Physiological and Molecular Aspects

Book excerpt: Plants are constantly exposed to changing environmental conditions. Abiotic stresses cause adverse effects on plant growth, development, survival, and yield. It is essential to improve plant responses to such environmental conditions to achieve sustainable crop growth, development, and productivity. The activation of plant stress signaling mechanisms is crucial to address the adverse impacts of environmental factors on plant growth and productivity. Phytoprotectants, including signaling molecules, play crucial roles in the activation of plant physiological and molecular mechanisms to withstand the negative effects of abiotic stress on plants. Investigation of physiological, biochemical, and metabolic pathways associated with plant adaptation to abiotic stress will help identify the key players involved in plant abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms. The sensing, signaling, and gene regulatory mechanisms that help plants cope with abiotic stress must be fully explored.