Abscisic acid (ABA), a pivotal plant hormone once primarily associated with stress response, is now increasingly acknowledged for its indispensable role in plant development. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted functions of ABA in regulating various aspects of plant growth and development. From inhibiting germination to orchestrating seedling establishment, flowering time, and dormancy induction, ABA emerges as a central player in shaping plant developmental transitions. Unraveling the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing the ABA signaling pathway provides valuable insights into how plants adapt to environmental challenges while effectively managing their growth and reproductive strategies. This expanding knowledge not only highlights the significance of ABA in plant biology but also has profound implications for enhancing agricultural practices.
Heterotrimeric G-proteins, comprising Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, act as crucial molecular switches for signaling transduction in all eukaryotic organisms. Through precise modulation of specific receptors or effectors coupled with heterotrimeric G-proteins in signaling cascades, plants have the capability to activate or suppress unique signaling pathways necessary for plant growth, development, and stress responses. This review provides an overview of the heterotrimeric G-proteins signaling pathway obtained to date, and highlights novel areas for future exploration and agricultural application based on the emerging significance and potential of heterotrimeric G proteins in regulating plant development and responses to abiotic stress.
Mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and other toxic heavy metals (HM) pose significant risks to the environment, negatively impacting the morpho-physiological and biological traits of plants. At present, toxic elements constitute a significant proportion of the food chain, exerting an impact on human health due to their mobility and biomagnification. The metal exclusion biological technique stands out for its robust performance, even when dealing with extremely low metal concentrations. Its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness further enhance its value. Due to the exponential growth pattern of bacteria, these exhibit high metal persistence and are recommended for metal exclusion processes. Moreover, vacuoles like vesicles present in mycorrhizal fungi can hold extremely high levels of HM. Microbe-assisted phytoremediation primarily occurs through two mechanisms: through the direct provision of the essential nutrients and phytohormones, such as plant growth regulators, siderophores, enzymes, and mineral; or indirectly by modulating the metal detoxification process. This indirect mechanism involves microbes aiding in the accumulation and sequestration of metals in plants through the secretion of specific extracellular substances like organic acids, biosurfactants, and chelators. Moreover, the metal bioavailability and translocation in the rhizosphere are also altered via various mechanisms like acidification, precipitation, complexation or redox reactions. The understanding of the molecular and physiological processes underpinning the functions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in reducing HM toxicity, improving plant performance by procuring nutrients under HM-toxicity has significantly improved in recent years. In this review, adaptive and persistent methods related to physiological and cross-protective mechanisms in bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi (MF) resulting from the evolutionary consequences of dealing with HM toxicity have been addressed. Furthermore, the article offers details on the physiological and molecular reactions of host plants with fungi, and bacteria to HM stress, which may be useful for unveiling new knowledge about the strategies of HMs remediation.
Plants, as sessile organisms, must adapt to a range of abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and cold, which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change. These stresses significantly impact crop productivity, posing challenges for sustainable agriculture and food security. Recent advances in omics studies and genetics have shed light on molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress responses, including the role of calcium (Ca2⁺) signaling, liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), and cell wall-associated sensors in detecting and responding to environmental changes. However, gaps remain in understanding how rapid stress signaling is integrated with slower, adaptive processes. Emerging evidence also highlights crosstalk between abiotic stress responses, plant immunity, and growth regulation, mediated by key components such as RAF-SnRK2 kinase cascades, DELLA proteins, etc. Strategies to enhance crop stress resistance without compromising yield include introducing beneficial alleles, spatiotemporal optimization of stress responses, and decoupling stress signaling from growth inhibition. This review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and innovative technologies to bridge fundamental research and practical agricultural applications, aiming to develop resilient crops for sustainable food production in an era of escalating environmental challenges.