Functional phenotyping: Understanding the dynamic response of plants to drought stress

Abstract

Drought stress, exacerbated by climate change, presents a critical global challenge characterized by increasingly severe and prolonged dehydration events. This phenomenon poses significant obstacles to both agricultural productivity and ecological stability. One promising strategy for addressing this issue involves functional phenotyping, a methodology that provides invaluable insights into the intricate responses of plants to water scarcity. A profound understanding of these responses is crucial for the advancement of drought-tolerant crop cultivars/species, the optimization of irrigation methodologies, and the implementation of effective water resource management practices in agriculture. This review underscores the potential of developing an ideal phenotyping tool that continuously monitors a plant's physiological profile in response to shifting environmental parameters. Such an approach enables the multifaceted characterization and assessment of various functional phenotypes and productivity levels. Through the application of functional phenotyping techniques, we stand to gain invaluable insights into plant behaviour, thereby contributing to the development of drought-tolerant crops and the establishment of sustainable agricultural systems.