Physiological Mechanisms of Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stress

Abstract

Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures pose significant challenges to plant growth, development, and productivity. Understanding the physiological mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to these stresses is crucial for developing strategies to enhance crop resilience and ensure food security. This review explores the key physiological responses of plants to abiotic stress, including stress perception and signaling, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, and hormonal regulation. We highlight recent advances in our understanding of these mechanisms and discuss their implications for crop improvement. Additionally, we examine the role of genetic and epigenetic modifications in enhancing stress tolerance and the potential of biotechnological approaches to develop stress-resistant crop varieties. By integrating physiological insights with modern breeding and biotechnological techniques, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and future directions in plant adaptation to abiotic stress.