Abstract
Drought stress affects plant growth and development by altering physiological and biochemical processes resulting in reduced crop productivity. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that plays fundamental roles in crop resistance against the drought stress by regulating various physiological and molecular mechanisms. Under drought stress, Zn application improves seed germination, plant water relations, cell membrane stability, osmolyte accumulation, stomatal regulation, water use efficiency and photosynthesis, thus resulting in significantly better plant performance. Moreover, Zn interacts with plant hormones, increases the expression of stress proteins and stimulates the antioxidant enzymes for counteracting drought effects. To better appraise the potential benefits arising from optimum Zn nutrition, in the present review we discuss the role of Zn in plants under drought stress. Our aim is to provide a complete, updated picture in order to orientate future research directions on this topic.
Highlights
Abiotic stresses affect all living organisms present on Earth
There are many ways in which Zn can be applied to plants: seed priming, seed coating, soil and foliar application [18,164]
Seed priming with Zn substantially improves the germination and stand establishment [165]
Summary
Abiotic stresses affect all living organisms present on Earth. Among them, drought stress has devastating impacts on agricultural production [1]. Drought stress diminishes crop productivity by reducing water uptake, leaf water status and gas exchange rates [6]. It reduces stomatal conductance, which in turn increases leaf temperature and leads to wilting [6,7]. The water deficit conditions have further impacts such as disturbing membrane permeability, nutrient uptake and chlorophyll synthesis, negatively affecting plant photosynthetic efficiency [8,9,10,11]. Water deficit imposes severe impacts on plants, plants modulate drought-induced effects by activating the antioxidant defense system that scavenges the reactive oxygen species (ROS), initiating a wide range of physio-chemical responses [12]. The ROS damage plant cell membranes and macro-molecules including proteins and lipids [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
