Abiotic stress in field crops: A review

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of abiotic stressors, such as heat, drought, salinity and cold, poses a critical threat to global crop productivity. This review evaluates the multifaceted impacts of coupled abiotic challenges on major crops, including wheat, maize and barley. Physiologically, combined stresses disrupt plant homeostasis by impairing photosynthesis, respiration and nitrogen fixation. These challenges lead to leaf withering, reduced biomass and significant reproductive failures, such as pollen sterility and decreased grain weight. At the molecular level, plants initiate complex signaling pathways involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium-permeable channels (CNGCs) and key transcription factors like heat-shock factors (HSFs) and the ICE-CBF-COR pathway. Hormonal regulation, particularly mediated by abscisic acid (ABA), further facilitates long-distance stress signaling and transpiration control. To mitigate these impacts, the review highlights sustainable agronomical practices, including mulching, organic manuring and precise irrigation. Furthermore, future advancements rely on biotechnological approaches such as CRISPR-mediated genome editing, QTL mapping and molecular breeding to develop climate-resilient cultivars. Integrating functional and comparative genomics with sustainable management is essential for ensuring global food security under increasingly frequent environmental extremes.