Chapter 9 - Cellular mechanisms of drought tolerance in wheat

Abstract

Despite facing various environmental conditions throughout their life, plants are facing an increased reduction in crop yield owing to climate change, and this issue is an alarming threat to food security. Wheat, among these, is one of the most important cereal crops providing maximum of the carbohydrates, proteins, and energy. Rate of consumption of wheat signifies its importance on the world economy. Its unhindered growth, therefore, is an absolute necessity to fulfill the world's demand. For optimal growth of wheat, water availability is very critical besides its productivity. One of the major factors that hinder the growth of wheat is the shortage of water. Alternatively known as drought, water shortage is one of the abiotic factors that result in yield losses. There are various mechanisms in plants to successfully adapt to different levels of environmental stresses. This chapter reviews the possible threats to the wheat cultivars caused by drought stress around the world. It also discusses the basis of tolerance and how it aids wheat to tolerate this stress. Also highlighted in this chapter are the cellular mechanisms adopted by plants to overcome water stress. At last, the possible improvements which can be brought in the existing varieties to increase yield and quality, and screening of drought-sensitive varieties from those which are drought susceptible are also discussed.