Mechanistic understanding of hormone regulation of abiotic stresses in horticultural plants: A review

Plants encounter considerable challenges due to environmental changes induced by anthropogenic activities or abrupt seasonal patterns. As sessile organisms, they are continuously subjected to various abiotic stresses that adversely affect growth and productivity. Researchers have been studying how plants develop resilience and respond to these environmental stressors for years. The application of phytohormones is widely recognized as a practical approach to mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses on horticultural plants. Phytohormones enhance plant resilience by modulating key physiological functions, such as seed germination, seedling growth, root formation, and photosynthetic efficiency. They also increase antioxidant enzyme levels, substantially reducing harmful effects like malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, and reactive oxygen species. Additionally, molecular regulation is governed by numerous genes, transcription factors, and proteins necessary for tolerance mechanisms. This study aims to promote our understanding of hormone-mediated influences and signaling in plants under abiotic stress, potentially aiding crop production and sustainability.