Academic Editor: Naeem Khan
In the present era of climate change and global warming, high temperatures have increased considerably, posing a threat to plant life. Heat stress affects the biochemistry, physiology and molecular makeup of the plant by altering the key processes, i.e., photosynthesis, respiration and reproduction which reduces its growth and development. There is a dire need to manage this problem sustainably for plant conservation as well as the food security of the human population. Use of phytohormones to induce thermotolerance in plants can be a sustainable way to fight the adversities of heat stress. Phytohormone-induced thermotolerance proves to be a compelling approach to sustainably relieve the damaging effects of heat stress on plants. Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential molecule in biotic and abiotic defense response signal transduction pathways. When supplied externally, it imparts heat stress tolerance to the plants by different means, viz., increased Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) production, Reactive oxygen species
(ROS) scavenging, protection of the reproductive system and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. The effect of SA on plants is highly dependent on the concentration applied, plant species, plant age, type of tissues treated, and duration of the treatment. The present review paper
summarizes the mechanism of thermotolerance induced by salicylic acid in plants
under heat stress conditions. It includes the regulatory effects of SA on heat
shock proteins, antioxidant metabolism, and maintenance of Ca
- The changing climate has led to severe heat stress in recent years, posing a threat to the agricultural system.
- The use of phytohormones is a sustainable way to combat the adversities of heat stress as they induce thermotolerance in plants.
- This review paper summarizes several studies to understand the mechanism of thermotolerance induced by salicylic acid in plants under heat stress conditions.
- It includes the regulatory effects of SA on heat shock proteins, antioxidant metabolism, and maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis under heat stress.
- It includes the role of SA in protecting the photosynthetic machinery and reproductive system during high-temperature stress.