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.

Dr Noushina Iqbal is an Assistant Professor at Jamia Hamdard’s Department of Botany, New Delhi. Her research focuses on plant stress physiology, with contributions to understanding the role of phytohormones in abiotic stress tolerance. Her work centrally explores the synergy of phytohormones (e.g., salicylic acid, ethylene) and key nutrients (notably potassium, nitrogen, sulfur) in enhancing plant resilience under abiotic stress. She has contributed to understanding mechanisms that improve photosynthesis, nutrient use efficiency and stress tolerance in crop systems.

Prof Nafees Ahmad Khan is a distinguished Professor of Plant Physiology at the Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University. With a PhD and DSc from AMU, he is globally recognized for his extensive research on abiotic stress tolerance in plants, phytohormone signaling, and sustainable agriculture. He is a fellow of multiple academies, including the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Linnean Society of London, the Indian Botanical Society and the Indian Society for Plant Physiology.

His research focuses on responses of growth and photosynthetic processes, the antioxidant system to abiotic stress factors and the identification of mechanisms for developing abiotic stress-tolerant crop plants through phytohormone signaling and its crosstalk with primary nutrient elements, nitrogen and sulfur. In recognition of his impactful work, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has highlighted AMU’s dedication to research and excellence, specifically acknowledging his contributions to sustainable solutions for food security.

Prof Antonio Ferrante is a full Professor of Vegetables and Ornamental Crops at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy. He is a leading horticultural scientist with a PhD in Advanced Technologies in Horticultural Science. He previously held key research and teaching roles at the University of Milan. His authoritative work on biostimulants, nutrient use efficiency, postharvest senescence and fresh-cut vegetable physiology has been widely recognized. He also plays prominent roles in professional societies, including as President of the Horticulture Section of the Italian Society for Horticultural Science.