Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, cold, heat, waterlogging, etc.) are the major factors negatively influencing crop development and productivity. They are the main causes of extensive agricultural production losses worldwide. Regarding abiotic stresses, drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures are the major environmental constraints that modern agriculture must cope with. It has been estimated that they may be responsible for a 50% or greater yield reduction in major crop plants. Wheat, as a major staple food, represents an important source of essential elements such as energy, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, among other beneficial compounds. Elucidating the tolerance mechanisms of abiotic stresses in wheat is critical in relieving the effects of these stresses on wheat production.

This Topic will be a collection of the latest research on the agronomical, physiological, and molecular aspects of abiotic stress tolerance in wheat, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the associated mechanisms in wheat grown under unfavorable conditions and significantly improve the efficiency of wheat production. Original research articles, reviews, and short communications are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Wenshan Guo
Prof. Dr. Jinfeng Ding
Dr. Min Zhu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agronomy agronomy	3.3	6.2	2011	17.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Crops crops	-	-	2021	22.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Plants plants	4.0	6.5	2012	18.9 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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14 pages, 2747 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Salt and Nitrogen Treatments on End Use Quality in Different End Use Types of Wheat

by Jennifer N. Bragg, Jiping Liu and Matthew J. Milner

Plants 2025, 14(9), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091300 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

Farmers frequently rely on mineral fertilizers to increase yields, improve or sustain crop productivity, and mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental stresses, including salinity. However, improper fertilization—whether inadequate or excessive—can hinder plant growth, reduce nutritional quality, and contribute to soil degradation and environmental [...] Read more.

Farmers frequently rely on mineral fertilizers to increase yields, improve or sustain crop productivity, and mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental stresses, including salinity. However, improper fertilization—whether inadequate or excessive—can hinder plant growth, reduce nutritional quality, and contribute to soil degradation and environmental pollution. Understanding how different levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizers and abiotic stresses such as salt impact yields and end-use quality is important to maintain food production and ensure fair crop value. In this study, we examined four types of spring wheat to investigate the role of adequate N levels in salt tolerance and their effects on end-use quality. The findings revealed no uniform response to either low N or salt treatment regarding growth or grain characteristics. All aspects, including biomass reduction, yield response variations, and grain components such as protein content, starch, or fiber, were influenced by different abiotic stresses across the various backgrounds tested. In some cases, these stresses were additive, further reducing crop value in specific genetic backgrounds, while, in others, their effects were minor. We identified varieties that are relatively tolerant to lower N levels, maintaining both yields and biomass production, as well as varieties that are less sensitive to salt, allowing them to sustain yields and biomass production. This deeper understanding of these varieties can now be leveraged to breed for improved stress tolerance across the entire life cycle, further enhancing yields under suboptimal conditions and minimizing the effects of reduced N inputs and salt tolerance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 2976 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Saline Irrigation Water on Durum Wheat (cv. Faraj) Grown on Sandy and Clay Soils

by Khadija Manhou, Rachid Moussadek, Hasna Yachou, Abdelmjid Zouahri, Ahmed Douaik, Ismail Hilal, Ahmed Ghanimi, Driss Hmouni and Houria Dakak

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122865 - 1 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1095

Abstract

In Morocco, saline irrigation significantly affects soil quality and reduces crop yields. This study evaluates the effect of salt stress on soil properties and the overall performance of the durum wheat variety “Faraj”, aiming to optimize production under saline conditions. A greenhouse experiment [...] Read more.

In Morocco, saline irrigation significantly affects soil quality and reduces crop yields. This study evaluates the effect of salt stress on soil properties and the overall performance of the durum wheat variety “Faraj”, aiming to optimize production under saline conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 season, using a completely randomized design (CRD) to assess soil properties, plant growth, and yield. Five salinity levels (0.2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS m⁻¹) were applied to two soil types: silty-clay (S1) and sandy (S2). Results showed significant changes in soil properties, including increased pH, electrical conductivity, and accumulation of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in soil. Grain yield decreased significantly with increasing salinity, from 1.12 t ha⁻¹ in freshwater to 0.12 t ha⁻¹ at 16 dS m⁻¹ in S1, and from 0.56 t ha⁻¹ in freshwater to 0.12 t ha⁻¹ at 16 dS m⁻¹ in S2. Straw yield was less affected, with values of 1.24 and 1.16 t ha⁻¹ for S1 and S2 at 12 dS m⁻¹, decreasing to 0.80 and 0.55 t ha⁻¹ at 16 dS m⁻¹. The “Faraj” variety shows good tolerance to salinity up to 8 dS m⁻¹ for grain yield and 12 dS m⁻¹ for straw yield, making it particularly suitable for moderately saline environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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25 pages, 1476 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Unraveling the Secrets of Early-Maturity and Short-Duration Bread Wheat in Unpredictable Environments

by Charan Singh, Sapna Yadav, Vikrant Khare, Vikas Gupta, Umesh R. Kamble, Om P. Gupta, Ravindra Kumar, Pawan Saini, Rakesh K. Bairwa, Rinki Khobra, Sonia Sheoran, Satish Kumar, Ankita K. Kurhade, Chandra N. Mishra, Arun Gupta, Bhudeva S. Tyagi, Om P. Ahlawat, Gyanendra Singh and Ratan Tiwari

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2855; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202855 - 12 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2019

Abstract

In response to the escalating challenges posed by unpredictable environmental conditions, the pursuit of early maturation in bread wheat has emerged as a paramount research endeavor. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of strategies and implications surrounding the unlocking of early [...] Read more.

In response to the escalating challenges posed by unpredictable environmental conditions, the pursuit of early maturation in bread wheat has emerged as a paramount research endeavor. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted landscape of strategies and implications surrounding the unlocking of early maturation in bread wheat varieties. Drawing upon a synthesis of cutting-edge research in genetics, physiology, and environmental science, this review elucidates the intricate mechanisms underlying early maturation and its potential ramifications for wheat cultivation in dynamic environments. By meticulously analyzing the genetic determinants, physiological processes, and environmental interactions shaping early maturation, this review offers valuable insights into the complexities of this trait and its relevance in contemporary wheat breeding programs. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the trade-offs inherent in pursuing early maturation, navigating the delicate balance between accelerated development and optimal yield potential. Through a meticulous examination of both challenges and opportunities, this review provides a comprehensive framework for researchers, breeders, and agricultural stakeholders to advance our understanding and utilization of early maturation in bread wheat cultivars, ultimately fostering resilience and sustainability in wheat production systems worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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24 pages, 3983 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Phytohormone Biosynthesis Genes Responses to Long-Term High Light in Tolerant and Sensitive Wheat Cultivars

by Zhi-Ang Li, Muhammad Fahad, Wan-Chang Li, Leeza Tariq, Miao-Miao Liu, Ya-Nan Liu and Tai-Xia Wang

Plants 2024, 13(18), 2628; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182628 - 20 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1112

Abstract

Phytohormones are vital for developmental processes, from organ initiation to senescence, and are key regulators of growth, development, and photosynthesis. In natural environments, plants often experience high light (HL) intensities coupled with elevated temperatures, which pose significant threats to agricultural production. However, the [...] Read more.

Phytohormones are vital for developmental processes, from organ initiation to senescence, and are key regulators of growth, development, and photosynthesis. In natural environments, plants often experience high light (HL) intensities coupled with elevated temperatures, which pose significant threats to agricultural production. However, the response of phytohormone-related genes to long-term HL exposure remains unclear. Here, we examined the expression levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of ten phytohormones, including gibberellins, cytokinins, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, indole-3-acetic acid, strigolactones, nitric oxide, and ethylene, in two winter wheat cultivars, Xiaoyan 54 (XY54, HL tolerant) and Jing 411 (J411, HL sensitive), when transferred from low light to HL for 2–8 days. Under HL, most genes were markedly inhibited, while a few, such as TaGA2ox, TaAAO3, TaLOG1, and TaPAL2, were induced in both varieties. Interestingly, TaGA2ox2 and TaAAO3 expression positively correlated with sugar content but negatively with chlorophyll content and TaAGP expression. In addition, we observed that both varieties experienced a sharp decline in chlorophyll content and photosynthesis performance after prolonged HL exposure, with J411 showing significantly more sensitivity than XY54. Hierarchical clustering analysis classified the phytohormone genes into the following three groups: Group 1 included six genes highly expressed in J411; Group 2 contained 25 genes drastically suppressed by HL in both varieties; and Group 3 contained three genes highly expressed in XY54. Notably, abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis genes and their content were significantly higher, while gibberellins (GA) content was lower in XY54 than J411. Together, these results suggest that the differential expression and content of GA, ABA, and JA play crucial roles in the contrasting responses of tolerant and sensitive wheat cultivars to leaf senescence induced by long-term HL. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying HL tolerance in wheat and can guide the development of more resilient wheat varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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20 pages, 2685 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Phenotyping Seedling Root Biometry of Two Contrasting Bread Wheat Cultivars under Nutrient Deficiency and Drought Stress

by Roberta Rossi, Rocco Bochicchio, Rosanna Labella, Mariana Amato and Pasquale De Vita

Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040775 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360

Abstract

Roots play a key role in withstanding wheat abiotic stress. In this work, we phenotyped seedling root morphology of two semi-dwarf bread wheat cultivars, the Chinese cv Lankaodali and the Italian cv Rebelde, under the hypothesis that these two genotypes have contrasting root [...] Read more.

Roots play a key role in withstanding wheat abiotic stress. In this work, we phenotyped seedling root morphology of two semi-dwarf bread wheat cultivars, the Chinese cv Lankaodali and the Italian cv Rebelde, under the hypothesis that these two genotypes have contrasting root traits and could be used as donors in breeding programs. Root development was compared in a semi-hydroponic screening, where full-strength (FS) vs. half-strength (HS) complete Hoagland’s solution represented high and moderate nutrient availability, and a screening comparing HS solution with tap water corresponding to a condition of nutrient starvation. Genotypes were further compared in soil under full watering (100% of field capacity) vs. drought stress (50% of field capacity). Lankaodali outperformed Rebelde by producing 50% more leaf mass and 70% more root mass in FS solution, 125% more leaf mass and 106% more root mass in HS solution, and 65% more leaf mass and 36% more root mass under nutrient starvation. This cv also showed a positive correlation between leaf mass and root length and mass (between r = 0.82–0.9 and r = 0.83–0.87, respectively, p < 0.05). In the soil screening experiment, Lankaodali produced more biomass than Rebelde regardless of water availability, 48% more leaf mass, 32% more root mass, and 31% more absolute rhizosheath mass (average across water availability treatments). Lankaodali proved to be more responsive than Rebelde to both water and nutrient availability. High values of broad-sense heritability—ranging between 0.80 for root mass and 0.90 for length in a hydroponic screen and 0.85 for rhizosheath size in soil—indicate that these traits could be useful for breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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28 pages, 5334 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

New Prospects for Improving Microspore Embryogenesis Induction in Highly Recalcitrant Winter Wheat Lines

by Ewa Dubas, Monika Krzewska, Ewa Surówka, Przemysław Kopeć, Agnieszka Springer, Franciszek Janowiak, Dorota Weigt, Sylwia Katarzyna Mikołajczyk, Anna Telk and Iwona Żur

Plants 2024, 13(3), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030363 - 25 Jan 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1918

Abstract

Among various methods stimulating biological progress, double haploid (DH) technology, which utilizes the process of microspore embryogenesis (ME), is potentially the most effective. However, the process depends on complex interactions between many genetic, physiological and environmental variables, and in many cases, e.g., winter [...] Read more.

Among various methods stimulating biological progress, double haploid (DH) technology, which utilizes the process of microspore embryogenesis (ME), is potentially the most effective. However, the process depends on complex interactions between many genetic, physiological and environmental variables, and in many cases, e.g., winter wheat, does not operate with the efficiency required for commercial use. Stress associated with low-temperature treatment, isolation and transfer to in vitro culture has been shown to disturb redox homeostasis and generate relatively high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), affecting microspore vitality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether controlled plant growth, specific tiller pre-treatment and culture conditions could improve the potential of microspores to cope with stress and effectively induce ME. To understand the mechanism of the stress response, hydrogen peroxide levels, total activity and the content of the most important low-molecular-weight antioxidants (glutathione and ascorbate), as well as the content of selected macro- (Mg, Ca, NA, K) and micronutrients (Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mo) were determined. These analyses, combined with the cytological characteristics of the microspore suspensions, allowed us to demonstrate that an increased microspore vitality and stronger response to ME induction were associated with higher stress resistance based on more efficient ROS scavenging and nutrient management. It was shown that a modified procedure, combining a low temperature with mannitol and sodium selenate tiller pre-treatment, reduced oxidative stress and improved the effectiveness of ME in winter wheat lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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20 pages, 2026 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Variation and Relationships between Grain Yield, Protein Content and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in Spring Wheat in Nordic–Baltic Environments

by Zaiga Jansone, Zigmārs Rendenieks, Andris Lapāns, Ilmar Tamm, Anne Ingver, Andrii Gorash, Andrius Aleliūnas, Gintaras Brazauskas, Sahameh Shafiee, Tomasz Mróz, Morten Lillemo, Hannes Kollist and Māra Bleidere

Agronomy 2024, 14(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010051 - 23 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

Accurate and robust methods are needed to monitor crop growth and predict grain yield and quality in breeding programs, particularly under variable agrometeorological conditions. Field experiments were conducted during two successive cropping seasons (2021, 2022) at four trial locations (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway). [...] Read more.

Accurate and robust methods are needed to monitor crop growth and predict grain yield and quality in breeding programs, particularly under variable agrometeorological conditions. Field experiments were conducted during two successive cropping seasons (2021, 2022) at four trial locations (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway). The focus was on assessment of the grain yield (GY), grain protein content (GPC), and UAV-derived NDVI measured at different plant growth stages. The performance and stability of 16 selected spring wheat genotypes were assessed under two N application rates (75, 150 kg N ha⁻¹) and across different agrometeorological conditions. Quantitative relationships between agronomic traits and UAV-derived variables were determined. None of the traits exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) genotype-by-nitrogen interaction. High-yielding and high-protein genotypes were detected with a high WAASB stability, specifically under high and low N rates. This study highlights the significant effect of an NDVI analysis at GS55 and GS75 as key linear predictors, especially concerning spring wheat GYs. However, the effectiveness of these indices depends on the specific growing conditions in different, geospatially distant locations, limiting their universal utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 2578 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Resistance to Salinity in Wheat by Using Streptomyces sp. HU2014

by Hongxia Zhu, Linfeng Hu, Tetiana Rozhkova and Chengwei Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010039 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

Salt stress affects the growth and global production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plant growth-promoting microbes can enhance plant resistance to abiotic stresses. In this study, we aimed to assess the inoculation of soil with Streptomyces sp. HU2014 to improve wheat tolerance [...] Read more.

Salt stress affects the growth and global production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plant growth-promoting microbes can enhance plant resistance to abiotic stresses. In this study, we aimed to assess the inoculation of soil with Streptomyces sp. HU2014 to improve wheat tolerance to salt stress from multiple perspectives, including the interaction of the strain, the addition of NaCl, the condition of the wheat, and rhizosphere microbial communities. The results showed that the strain promoted wheat growth under NaCl stress by increasing biomass by 19.8%, total chlorophyll content by 72.1%, proline content by 152.0%, and malondialdehyde content by 106.9%, and by decreasing catalase by 39.0%, peroxidase by 1.4%, and soluble sugar by 61.6% when compared to the control. With HU2014 soil inoculation, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, and Olsen phosphorus increased, whereas ammonium nitrogen and pH decreased. HU2014 inoculation and/or the addition of NaCl affected the diversity of rhizosphere bacteria, but not fungi. The structure of the microbial community differed after HU2014 inoculation, with Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and unclassified fungi being the dominant phyla, and these taxa correlated with the above-mentioned soil parameters. Thus, this study provided a promising way to enhance wheat tolerance to salt stress and improve the agricultural ecological environment by using plant growth-promoting microbes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat: Perspectives on Productivity and Sustainability)

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