Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on how the plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene interact to control stomatal aperture and shoot growth responses to drought and ozone stress. The authors highlight that ethylene can antagonise the stomatal response to ABA under ozone stress, potentially increasing plant water loss on drying soils, and identify shared signalling pathways (including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species) activated by both stresses. The review discusses implications for crop productivity, natural ecosystems and water resources in the context of predicted climate change and rising ozone pollution.
Regional applicability
The physiological mechanisms reviewed are universal to vascular plants, including UK crops and natural vegetation. However, the paper's conclusions about increased climate vulnerability—reduced rainfall coupled with rising ozone pollution—are most directly applicable to temperate and Mediterranean regions; UK-specific impacts would depend on regional climate projections and air-quality forecasts.
Key measures
Stomatal sensitivity to ABA; stomatal conductance; shoot growth; hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production; plant water status; xylem and apoplastic pH
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how abscisic acid and ethylene interact to regulate stomatal responses and shoot growth under drought and ozone stress, and identifies convergent signalling pathways involving hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production. It examines implications for crop water loss, ecosystem function and water catchment processes under predicted climate change scenarios.
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