Vol. 7, Special Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Abstract: Around the world, people are already feeling the effects of a changing climate, and predictions show that droughts and periods of extremely high temperatures will happen more frequently. The production and yield of vegetable crops are being affected by these abiotic stressors. In turn, this poses difficulties for food distribution networks and has an effect on water supplies for agriculture and drinking. Plants are subjected to harsh environmental challenges in a changing climate, including high and low temperatures, drought, flood, salt, wind, sun radiation, and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, it is anticipated that increased CO₂ levels will change the protein composition and nutrient profile of food crops. Due to their high-water requirements, sensitivity to fluctuating temperatures, and dependence on saline soils, vegetable crops might be particularly vulnerable to abiotic pressures. To stop additional production losses and create agricultural plants that are more resilient to abiotic stress, it is essential to improve current cultivars and breed new ones with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance features.