Aquaporins and their functions in water transportation in different plant species

One of the major protein channels that take part in the transportation of water and solute substances across membranes is Aquaporins (AQPs). AQPs role in abiotic stress tolerance by maintaining homeostasis in plant systems has paved a new pathway for the scientific community to study the genetic modulation and engineering prospects in different crops and also to understand the mechanism of how they work under drought and saline stress. The inappropriate agricultural techniques, indiscriminate use of fertilizers, and changing environmental conditions have increased the salinity and reduced the water-retaining capacity of the soil, thus hampering agricultural productivity. These factors have compelled scientists throughout the world to explore newer prospects for the development of saline and drought-resistant varieties. The present review deals with genetic modulation and genetic engineering prospects in various horticultural crops and the main physiological changes which are responsible for the development of the ability of these plants to withstand stress conditions.