Understanding the mechanism of hormone action of abiotic stresses in horticultural plants

Abstract

Plants face significant challenges due to environmental changes caused by human activities and sudden seasonal shifts. As stationary organisms, they are constantly exposed to various abiotic stresses that can negatively impact their growth and productivity. Researchers have been investigating how plants build resilience and respond to these environmental stressors for many years. One widely recognised approach to alleviating the harmful effects of abiotic stresses on horticultural plants is the application of phytohormones. These hormones enhance plant resilience by regulating essential physiological functions such as seed germination, seedling growth, root development, and photosynthetic efficiency. They also boost the levels of antioxidant enzymes, which help reduce detrimental effects like malondialdehyde accumulation, electrolyte leakage, and the production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the molecular regulation of these responses involves various genes, transcription factors, and proteins that are crucial for developing tolerance mechanisms. This study aims to deepen our understanding of hormone-mediated influences and signalling pathways in plants facing abiotic stress, which could ultimately support crop production and sustainability.