The molecular basis of heat stress responses in plants

Global warming impacts crop production and threatens food security. Elevated temperatures are sensed by different cell components. Temperature increases are classified as either mild warm temperatures or excessively hot temperatures, which are perceived by distinct signaling pathways in plants. Warm temperatures induce thermomorphogenesis, while high-temperature stress triggers heat acclimation and has destructive effects on plant growth and development. In this review, we systematically summarize the heat-responsive genetic networks in Arabidopsis and crop plants based on recent studies. In addition, we highlight the strategies used to improve grain yield under heat stress from a source-sink perspective. We also discuss the remaining issues regarding the characteristics of thermosensors and the urgency required to explore the basis of acclimation under multifactorial stress combination.

Automated summary

Global warming has negative impacts on crop production and food security. Different cell components can sense temperature increases, and the responses of plants vary depending on whether the temperatures are mild or excessively hot. This review summarizes recent studies on the genetic networks involved in heat responses in Arabidopsis and crop plants, and highlights strategies to improve grain yield under heat stress from a source-sink perspective. The study also discusses the remaining issues regarding thermosensors and the urgent need to explore acclimation under multifactorial stress combinations.