Strigolactones: Coordination with other phytohormones and enhancement of abiotic stress responses

Abstract

Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, light intensity fluctuations, and nutrient deficiencies are significant challenges in agriculture. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, threatening crop yields and food security. To address these challenges, efforts should focus on developing resilient crop varieties and promoting sustainable farming practices. Strigolactones (SLs) were originally identified for their role in promoting germination in root parasitic plants. They have since been recognized as significant contributors to various aspects of plant biology. SLs function as versatile signaling molecules, orchestrating a myriad of plant physiological processes, including abiotic stress tolerance. They enhance plant resilience to abiotic stresses, improve growth, optimize photosynthesis, enhance water use efficiency, and reduce oxidative stress damage. SLs engage in interactions with diverse phytohormones to finely regulate essential processes in plants, aiding their survival and productivity in challenging environments. SLs hold the promise of enhancing our ability to protect plants from abiotic stress impacts. They can ensure sustainable food production amid climate change. This review delves into SL metabolism, explores the molecular mechanisms driving SLs perception and signal transduction, and the multifaceted roles that SLs play in plant physiology. Special emphasis is placed on their interactions with diverse phytohormones and their substantial role in bolstering resilience against abiotic stress. Moreover, the review covers crucial research gaps and future prospects concerning SLs application. Overall, our review enhances understanding of SLs application and advances efforts towards global food security and environmental sustainability.