OVERVIEW OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR RESPONSES TO ABIOTIC STRESSES IN FRUIT CROPS

Abstract

Abiotic stresses are major challenges affecting yield and production in plants including fruit trees. Drought, salinity, high temperature, frost are the major problems in tropical and subtropical ecosystems wherein major fruit orchards are concentrated. The review presents current scenario and understanding on the mechanism of abiotic stress responses in fruit crops. An overview of the physiological, biochemical and molecular changes that occur upon confronting stress is also presented. The details of the genes involved in stress response, native adaptation mechanism in natural ecosystems are also highlighted. Several abiotic stress pathways, trehalose biosynthesis genes, signal perception and transduction mechanisms are described. Insights into biochemistry of ROS, their production sites, antioxidant defence systems working in concert to control the cascades of uncontrolled oxidation to protect from oxidative damage are also covered. Opportunities and scope for stress breeding in fruits to re-establish homeostasis in stressful environments can be key to changing climate conditions.