Molecular and ecological dimensions of stress tolerance in plants under global environmental change
Abstract
Global environmental change, encompassing climate warming, altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme events, poses unprecedented challenges to plant survival, growth and productivity. Stress tolerance in plants involves a complex interplay between molecular mechanisms, physiological responses and ecological interactions. At the molecular level, plants employ strategies including stress-responsive gene expression, signal transduction pathways, antioxidant systems and epigenetic regulation to withstand abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity and heat. Ecologically, plant stress tolerance is mediated by interactions with soil microbiomes, mycorrhizal networks and neighboring vegetation, which collectively modulate resource acquisition, nutrient cycling and resilience to environmental perturbations. This article synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular and ecological dimensions of plant stress tolerance, highlighting integrative approaches to enhance resilience in natural and managed ecosystems. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for predicting vegetation responses to global change and informing conservation, restoration and agricultural strategies.