6 - Circadian regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in legumes

Abstract

Legumes (Glycine max, Cicer arietinum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum) are vital crops cultivated globally. However, the irregularity in the environment and climate change has indirectly or directly influenced abiotic stresses primarily affecting legume production and distribution worldwide. The circadian clock is the key endogenous controller and organizer in plant biological (anatomical and physiological) activities, with diurnal distinctions influencing benefits to plants. The association amid plants response to abiotic stresses viz. light, heat, cold, drought, flood, salinity and heavy metal stresses, etc., and endogenous circadian clock suggest a close correlation between both pathways. Despite the recent advancement in the estimation of circadian clock regulations in legumes, we are still in the initial stage of this field and numerous investigations with notable realistic significances are still need to be addressed. Hence the current chapter focuses on the current updates on circadian regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in legumes, mode of action of the genes involved, impact on the regulation and other gene expressions, and their interaction with phytohormones, cell metabolites, etc.