Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.5
4.0
Journals
Plants
Special Issues
Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants
share announcement

Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 4697

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Tim L. Setter

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Soil and Crop Sciences, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Interests: field of crop sciences; physiology; drought and abiotic stress; cassava and maize; environmental stresses; transcriptome responses
Dr. Florence Volaire

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CEFE, Université Montpellier, INRAE, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, F-34090 Montpellier, France
Interests: drought; climate change; ecophysiology; plant ecology; environmental stresses
Prof. Dr. William L. Bauerle

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Interests: plant ecophysiology; stress physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Drought is a significant environmental stressor that affects plant growth and crop productivity,  posing significant challenges to global agriculture, impacting crop yield and food security. Therefore, understanding plant responses to drought and identifying adaptive strategies is crucial.

This Special Issue focuses on papers discussing plant responses to drought stress at different levels, including physiological, biochemical and molecular levels, as well as their molecular mechanisms. We encourage researchers to submit their latest findings on identifying drought-resistant traits, such as root architecture, stomatal regulation and water uptake mechanisms, and the genetic background of these traits. We welcome review and research articles that provide insights into new discoveries, theories and experimental results that contribute to a better understanding of drought responses and adaptation mechanisms in plants. Join us in this important discussion on the future of plant ecology and agriculture.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and working together to address the pressing challenges of drought resilience in plants.

Prof. Dr. Tim L. Setter
Dr. Florence Volaire
Prof. Dr. William L. Bauerle
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plants
  • drought stress
  • drought resilience
  • ecophysiology
  • ecology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 3892 KiB  
Article
Differential Drought Responses of Soybean Genotypes in Relation to Photosynthesis and Growth-Yield Attributes
by Md. Saddam Hossain, Md. Arifur Rahman Khan, Apple Mahmud, Uttam Kumar Ghosh, Touhidur Rahman Anik, Daniel Mayer, Ashim Kumar Das and Mohammad Golam Mostofa
Plants 2024, 13(19), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13192765 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 222
Abstract
Water scarcity leads to significant ecological challenges for global farming production. Sustainable agriculture depends on developing strategies to overcome the impacts of drought on important crops, including soybean. In this present study, seven promising soybean genotypes were evaluated for their drought tolerance potential [...] Read more.
Water scarcity leads to significant ecological challenges for global farming production. Sustainable agriculture depends on developing strategies to overcome the impacts of drought on important crops, including soybean. In this present study, seven promising soybean genotypes were evaluated for their drought tolerance potential by exposing them to water deficit conditions. The control group was maintained at 100% field capacity (FC), while the drought-treated group was maintained at 50% FC on a volume/weight basis. This treatment was applied at the second trifoliate leaf stage and continued until maturity. Our results demonstrated that water shortage exerted negative impacts on soybean phenotypic traits, physiological and biochemical mechanisms, and yield output in comparison with normal conditions. Our results showed that genotype G00001 exhibited the highest leaf area plant−1 (483.70 cm2), photosynthetic attributes like stomatal conductance (gs) (0.15 mol H2O m−2 s−1) and photosynthetic rate (Pn) (13.73 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1), and xylem exudation rate (0.25 g h−1) under drought conditions. The G00001 genotype showed greater leaf greenness by preserving photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophylls (Chls) and carotenoids; 4.23 and 7.34 mg g−1 FW, respectively) in response to drought conditions. Soybean plants accumulated high levels of stress indicators like proline and malondialdehyde when subjected to drought stress. However, genotype G00001 displayed lower levels of proline (4.49 μg g−1 FW) and malondialdehyde (3.70 μmol g−1 FW), indicating that this genotype suffered from less oxidative stress induced by drought stress compared to the other investigated soybean genotypes. Eventually, the G00001 genotype had a greater yield in terms of seeds pod−1 (SP) (1.90) and 100-seed weight (HSW) (14.60 g) under drought conditions. On the other hand, BD2333 exhibited the largest decrease in plant height (37.10%), pod number plant−1 (85.90%), SP (56.20%), HSW (54.20%), gs (90.50%), Pn (71.00%), transpiration rate (59.40%), relative water content (34.40%), Chl a (79.50%), total Chls (72.70%), and carotenoids (56.70%), along with the maximum increase in water saturation deficit (290.40%) and malondialdehyde content (280.30%) under drought compared to control conditions, indicating its higher sensitivity to drought stress. Our findings suggest that G00001 is a promising candidate to consider for field trials and further evaluation of its molecular signature may help breeding other elite cultivars to develop drought-tolerant, high-yielding soybean varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3052 KiB  
Article
Integrated Effects of Soil Moisture on Wheat Hydraulic Properties and Stomatal Regulation
by Lijuan Wang, Yanqun Zhang, Dandan Luo, Xinlong Hu, Pancen Feng, Yan Mo, Hao Li and Shihong Gong
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2263; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162263 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 522
Abstract
The development of water-saving management relies on understanding the physiological response of crops to soil drought. The coordinated regulation of hydraulics and stomatal conductance in plant water relations has steadily received attention. However, research focusing on grain crops, such as winter wheat, remains [...] Read more.
The development of water-saving management relies on understanding the physiological response of crops to soil drought. The coordinated regulation of hydraulics and stomatal conductance in plant water relations has steadily received attention. However, research focusing on grain crops, such as winter wheat, remains limited. In this study, three soil water supply treatments, including high (H), moderate (M), and low (L) soil water contents, were conducted with potted winter wheat. Leaf water potential (Ψleaf), leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf), and stomatal conductance (gs), as well as leaf biochemical parameters and stomatal traits were measured. Results showed that, compared to H, predawn leaf water potential (ΨPD) significantly reduced by 48.10% and 47.91%, midday leaf water potential (ΨMD) reduced by 40.71% and 43.20%, Kleaf reduced by 64.80% and 65.61%, and gs reduced by 21.20% and 43.41%, respectively, under M and L conditions. Although gs showed a significant difference between M and L, Ψleaf and Kleaf did not show significant differences between these treatments. The maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax) under L significantly decreased by 23.11% and 28.10%, stomatal density (SD) and stomatal pore area index (SPI) under L on the abaxial side increased by 59.80% and 52.30%, respectively, compared to H. The leaf water potential at 50% hydraulic conduction loss (P50) under L was not significantly reduced. The gs was positively correlated with ΨMD and Kleaf, but it was negatively correlated with abscisic acid (ABA) and SD. A threshold relationship between gs and Kleaf was observed, with rapid and linear reduction in gs occurring only when Kleaf fell below 8.70 mmol m−2 s−1 MPa−1. Our findings demonstrate that wheat leaves adapt stomatal regulation strategies from anisohydric to isohydric in response to reduced soil water content. These results enrich the theory of trade-offs between the carbon assimilation and hydraulic safety in crops and also provide a theoretical basis for water management practices based on stomatal regulation strategies under varying soil water conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9354 KiB  
Article
Tree Resilience Indices of Norway Spruce Provenances Tested in Long-Term Common Garden Experiments in the Romanian Carpathians
by Alin Madalin Alexandru, Georgeta Mihai, Emanuel Stoica and Alexandru Lucian Curtu
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2172; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162172 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Provenance trials provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate the impact of extreme events on growth and wood properties. In this study, we have evaluated 81 Norway spruce provenances, tested in three provenance trials established in the Romanian Carpathians in 1972. The response to [...] Read more.
Provenance trials provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate the impact of extreme events on growth and wood properties. In this study, we have evaluated 81 Norway spruce provenances, tested in three provenance trials established in the Romanian Carpathians in 1972. The response to drought of the Norway spruce provenances has been examined using the following tree resilience indices: resistance, recovery, resilience, and relative resilience. The relationship between climate and growth, the correlations between wood traits, and the coordinates of the origin and tree resilience indices were also analysed. In each provenance trial, there were significant differences between provenances and years regarding wood widths and latewood percentage (LWP). Regarding drought extreme events, the years when they occurred in all three provenance trials were 2000 and 2003. Significant differences between provenances for at least one tree resilience index have been found in all provenance trials, for the year 2000. By using subperiods of 25 years, changes in the relationship between climate and growth have been observed. Several provenances with high radial growth and good resistance and/or recovery have been identified. Provenances that performed better in common garden experiments could be used in assisted migration, even in the proximity of the current natural range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 5741 KiB  
Article
The Receptor Kinases DRUS1 and DRUS2 Behave Distinctly in Osmotic Stress Tolerance by Modulating the Root System Architecture via Auxin Signaling
by Ammara Latif, Chen-Guang Yang, Lan-Xin Zhang, Xin-Yu Yang, Xin-Ye Liu, Lian-Feng Ai, Ali Noman, Cui-Xia Pu and Ying Sun
Plants 2024, 13(6), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060860 - 16 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1167
Abstract
Receptor kinases DRUS1 (Dwarf and Runtish Spikelet1) and DRUS2 are orthologues of the renowned Arabidopsis thaliana gene FERONIA, which play redundant roles in rice growth and development. Whether the two duplicated genes perform distinct functions in response to environmental stress [...] Read more.
Receptor kinases DRUS1 (Dwarf and Runtish Spikelet1) and DRUS2 are orthologues of the renowned Arabidopsis thaliana gene FERONIA, which play redundant roles in rice growth and development. Whether the two duplicated genes perform distinct functions in response to environmental stress is largely unknown. Here, we found that osmotic stress (OS) and ABA increased DRUS1 expression while decreasing DRUS2. When subjected to osmotic stress, the increased DRUS1 in drus2 mutants suppresses the OsIAA repressors, resulting in a robust root system with an increased number of adventitious and lateral roots as well as elongated primary, adventitious, and lateral roots, conferring OS tolerance. In contrast, the decreased DRUS2 in drus1-1 mutants are not sufficient to suppress OsIAA repressors, leading to a feeble root system with fewer adventitious and lateral roots and hindering seminal root growth, rendering OS intolerance. All these findings offer valuable insights into the biological significance of the duplication of two homologous genes in rice, wherein, if one is impaired, the other one is able to continue auxin-signaling-mediated root growth and development to favor resilience to environmental stress, such as water shortage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1291 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Studies of Genomic DNA Methylation and Its Involvement in Regulating Drought Stress Response in Crops
by Youfang Fan, Chao Sun, Kan Yan, Pengcheng Li, Ingo Hein, Eleanor M. Gilroy, Philip Kear, Zhenzhen Bi, Panfeng Yao, Zhen Liu, Yuhui Liu and Jiangping Bai
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1400; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101400 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
As global arid conditions worsen and groundwater resources diminish, drought stress has emerged as a critical impediment to plant growth and development globally, notably causing declines in crop yields and even the extinction of certain cultivated species. Numerous studies on drought resistance have [...] Read more.
As global arid conditions worsen and groundwater resources diminish, drought stress has emerged as a critical impediment to plant growth and development globally, notably causing declines in crop yields and even the extinction of certain cultivated species. Numerous studies on drought resistance have demonstrated that DNA methylation dynamically interacts with plant responses to drought stress by modulating gene expression and developmental processes. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these interactions remain elusive. This article consolidates the latest research on the role of DNA methylation in plant responses to drought stress across various species, focusing on methods of methylation detection, mechanisms of methylation pattern alteration (including DNA de novo methylation, DNA maintenance methylation, and DNA demethylation), and overall responses to drought conditions. While many studies have observed significant shifts in genome-wide or gene promoter methylation levels in drought-stressed plants, the identification of specific genes and pathways involved remains limited. This review aims to furnish a reference for detailed research into plant responses to drought stress through epigenetic approaches, striving to identify drought resistance genes regulated by DNA methylation, specific signaling pathways, and their molecular mechanisms of action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drought Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Plants)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Anatomical responses of two species to controlled water restriction.

Peña-Rojas et al

Summary: Quillaja saponaria (quillay) and Cryptocarya alba (peumo) are two sclerophyllous tree species from the Mediterranean forests of Chile. 

A study was conducted to determine the leaf anatomical response (cuticle thickness, leaf thickness and cell density of parenchyma tissues) of both species to water deficit. Quillay and peumo showed leaf phenotypic plasticity. Peumo increased cuticle thickness and decreased leaf and cellular tissue thickness; whereas juvenile quillay leaves increased leaf and cuticle thickness and decreased parenchyma tissue density, compared to unstressed plants.

Back to TopTop