Harnessing Brassinosteroids for Heat Resilience in Wheat: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This comprehensive review focused on understanding the critical interplay between Brassinosteroids (BRs), a class of plant hormones, and the high-temperature stress response in wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the context of climate change. In 2022-23, heat stress caused by a spike in temperatures in mid-March 2022 reduced India's wheat crop yields by 10-15%. This lowered the country's forecasted wheat production from 110 million metric tons (MMT) to 99 MMT for the 2022/23 market year (April-March) (USDA, 2023). The adverse effects of climate change and abiotic stresses on agriculture and crop productivity are well-established, with rising temperatures identified as a significant factor in the decline of plant growth and yield. In light of this, this review aims to delve into the intricate relationship between BRs and wheat's response to high-temperature stress. Given that global mean surface temperatures have already increased and are projected to continue rising throughout the 21st century, it is imperative to explore innovative strategies to mitigate the detrimental impacts on crop productivity. To this end, the study seeks to enhance our understanding of how BRs influence the growth and yield of wheat when exposed to high-temperature stress conditions. The overarching goal is to develop effective strategies that can bolster the resilience and productivity of wheat, which is a cornerstone staple crop worldwide, facing the escalating challenge of climate change. This review builds on the existing body of knowledge, synthesizing current research findings and shedding light on the potential of BRs as a key player in ameliorating the consequences of climate change in agriculture.