Potato stress resilience: Unraveling the role of signalling molecules and phytohormones

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) stands as the largest non-cereal food crop globally, securing its position as the fourth most vital food crop worldwide, following rice, wheat, and maize. It is a crucial staple food crop globally, contributing significantly to food security. However, its productivity is severely affected by various abiotic stresses, including drought, heavy metals, salinity, heat, and cold. This review concentrates on delineating the influence of different abiotic stresses on potato plants and elucidating the responses employed by potatoes to alleviate the detrimental effects of these stressors. Additionally, this review focuses on regulating abiotic stress in potatoes through signalling molecules and their intricate interplay with phytohormones. Phytohormones such as salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene and jasmonic acid (JA) interact with signalling molecules, forming a complex regulatory network. This network adjusts stomatal closure, osmotic management, antioxidant defenses, and growth regulation, allowing precise abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, the review describes the role of other signalling molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium ions (Ca²⁺), nitric oxide (NO), as key mediators in the plant's stress response. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress tolerance in potato is essential for developing resilient cultivars and sustainable agricultural practices. Hence, this review also comprehensively summarizes recent research findings on the molecular mechanism involved in abiotic stress tolerance in potato plants. The information provided in this review article can be useful in developing sustainable strategies to improve abiotic stress resilience in potato cultivation.