Summary
This review examines the physiological and molecular responses plants deploy to cope with drought stress, including osmotic adjustment, dehydrin synthesis, and antioxidant defence pathways. The authors argue that detailed understanding of these adaptive mechanisms is essential for developing drought-resilient crops and sustaining agricultural productivity under water scarcity. The paper synthesises current knowledge to support evidence-based breeding and agronomic interventions.
Regional applicability
The mechanisms described are universal plant physiology and apply globally, including to United Kingdom cropping and horticulture, though UK agriculture faces less acute drought risk than many regions. The findings are most immediately applicable to water-limited regions but inform breeding programmes and management strategies relevant across diverse climates.
Key measures
Not applicable—review paper synthesising mechanisms rather than reporting original measurements
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises knowledge of physiological and molecular mechanisms by which plants perceive and respond to drought stress, including osmotic adjustment, protective protein synthesis, and antioxidant system activation. It examines how understanding these adaptive strategies can inform crop improvement for water-limited environments.
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