Physiological Response and Molecular Mechanisms of Plants to Heavy Metal/Loid Toxicity

Dear Colleagues,

Heavy metal/loid (HM) toxicity poses a significant threat to the growth and development of plants, affecting their ability to photosynthesize, take up nutrients, and maintain cellular homeostasis. Therefore, understanding the physiological and molecular responses to HM toxicity is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate HM pollution and promote sustainable agriculture.

Currently, research in this field focuses on elucidating the complex mechanisms that plants employ to adapt to HM stress. This involves the investigation of physiological changes, such as alterations in the plant's metabolism, antioxidant systems, and gene expression patterns. However, despite the progress that has been made, there is still much to learn about the intricate interactions between plants and HM toxicity. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to publish original articles and reviews that consolidate recent advancements in the field of HM tolerance, as well as to identify potential new mitigation strategies at agronomical, physiological, eco-physiological, and molecular levels, which are involved in a plant’s response to HM toxicity.

The main themes are described below.

1. Examining the intricate molecular mechanisms employed by plants to perceive and adapt to HM toxicity, with a particular emphasis on the crucial roles played by signaling molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phytohormones.
2. Identifying novel genes and proteins involved in HM detoxification and tolerance mechanisms in plants, providing insights into a plant's adaptive strategies.
3. Exploring the role of plant microbiota in HM detoxification and its potential in enhancing plant tolerance to HM stress.
4. Developing genetic engineering and biotechnological approaches to improve the HM tolerance of crop plants, thereby ensuring sustainable crop production in HM-contaminated areas.
5. Evaluating the ecological consequences of HM stress on plant–insect and plant–microbe interactions, assessing its impact on ecosystem health and stability.

Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan
Dr. Abdul Salam
Dr. Aamir Hamid Khan
Guest Editors

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• phytoremediation
• redox homeostasis
• plant–environment interaction
• metal tolerance index
• metal ion uptake
• phytochelatins