Plant Responses To Drought Stress Under Climate Change And Recent Biotechnological Interventions For Mitigation: Mini Review

Abstract

Climate change has intensified drought stress, posing a major threat to global crop productivity. Plants respond through various adaptive mechanisms involving root architecture remodelling, altered leaf development, and modified reproductive timing. Recent biotechnological interventions offer promising strategies to enhance drought tolerance. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing enables precise modification of key drought-responsive genes, improving traits such as root growth and water use efficiency. Omics-assisted breeding approaches, including marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, are accelerating the development of drought-resilient cultivars. Microbiome engineering using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhances stress tolerance by regulating hormone levels, root growth, and antioxidant activity. Additionally, nanotechnology and biostimulants improve seed performance, water uptake, and physiological resilience under drought conditions. Despite these advances, challenges remain in translating laboratory successes to field applications. Integrating modern biotechnology with traditional breeding and sustainable agricultural practices is essential for ensuring crop productivity under increasing drought stress driven by climate change.