Exploring Drought Tolerance in Wheat: Insights from Biochemical, Morphological, and Physiological Responses

Abstract

This review paper delves into the intricate biochemical foundations underlying drought tolerance mechanisms in wheat plants. This exploration encompasses multifaceted aspects, ranging from physiological adaptations to gene expression modulation. Plants like wheat employ repertoire of biochemical strategies to bolster their resilience against drought stress. It involves coordinating antioxidant enzymes, osmotic regulators, polyamines, and hormones to combat drought stress. The antioxidant system is crucial, countering reactive oxygen species produced during drought. Enzymes like SOD, CAT, and POD are activated to protect cells. Osmolytes like sugars and polyamines maintain cell integrity and water retention, while hormones like ABA control stomatal closure and water conservation. Gene expression highlights the plant's drought adaptability. AP2/ERF factors boost drought tolerance when overexpressed. Gene repression uses motifs like EAR to reduce expression for environmental adaptation. Gene expression shows the plant's drought adaptability. Overexpressed AP2/ERF factors enhance tolerance. Repression, like the EAR motif, aids variation. The morphological basis study examines how water scarcity affects different growth stages of wheat, such as germination, tillering, flowering, and grain filling. It identifies physio-morphological traits that could serve as the indicators of drought resilience, providing a new way to breed stress resistance. Furthermore, this article also explains plant characteristics important for adapting to drought, including photosynthesis, water relations, nutrient uptake, oxidative state, osmotic balance, and hormonal consequences. Each facet contributes to the intricate web of physiological adaptations that allow wheat plants to withstand and thrive under drought conditions. Comprehending these mechanisms aids breeding for drought-tolerant wheat, ensuring food security amid climate change.