Plant Signaling Molecules in Regulation of ROS-Scavenging System: Adapting to Climate Change

This contributed volume provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between signaling molecules and ROS-scavenging systems in the adaptation of plants to climate change. Plants produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide radicals (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), especially under stress, which can cause oxidative damage and cell death. ROS homeostasis is maintained by a ROS-scavenging system, consisting of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This system is vital for physiological processes and stress tolerance in plants. Signaling molecules are crucial in plant growth, development, and environmental responses. The abiotic stress perception triggers signaling events involving calcium ions (Ca²⁺), ROS, and phytohormones like abscisic acid (ABA). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades also play a key role, where a series of phosphorylation events activate genes involved in antioxidant defense. ROS scavenging is regulated by phytohormones and signaling molecules, including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ABA, ethylene, salicylic acid, melatonin, H2S, H2O2, nitric oxide, and brassinosteroids. These molecules interact to enhance stress resilience through ROS scavenging. Additionally, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) work with phytohormones to alleviate stress. Integrative approaches combining molecular biology, genomics, and systems biology are needed to understand the crosstalk between stress signaling and ROS regulation. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing dissects gene functions in ROS regulation, while omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) provide insights into plant stress responses. This book focusses on the mechanisms that drive plant responses to changing environmental conditions, and the potential to harness this knowledge to develop resilient crop varieties. This book is an essential read for academicians, researchers, and scientists working in the field of plant biology, plant physiology, plant stress physiology, plant molecular biology and agronomy.