Crosstalk in Plant Defense: Bridging Abiotic and Biotic Stresses

Crosstalk in Plant Defense: Bridging Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Vasanthan E Chandana Y Kundargi Kamala Devappa Gaddennavar Soham Bachaspati Sharanabasav Huded Kamal Yadav https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0178-5759 Kumaresan Marappan Rahul Pradhan

Continuous exposure of plants to both biotic and abiotic stresses necessitate the use of an integrated signalling network for plant defence. Crosstalk signalling pathways of biotic and abiotic stresses result in antagonistic, synergistic interaction, which helps the plant respond differently from the single reaction of stress. Molecular mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species, calcium flux signalling, kinases, transcription factors and retrograde signalling, physiological mechanisms such as priming and defence and biotechnological strategies such as breeding, gene editing and chemicals, all are involved in crosstalk defence. Understanding and leveraging these interactions is critical for the production of varieties that can withstand the effects of both biotic and abiotic stresses with respect to climate change. ROS–Ca²⁺ signaling integrates biotic and abiotic stress response and activates MAPK cascades through defence gene regulation. Different hormonal pathways, such as JA, SA, and ethylene interactions help in cross-tolerance. These interconnected pathways help in shaping the plant's ability for defence signalling under combined stress conditions.
12 01 2025 101 109 10.56557/pcbmb/2025/v26i11-129984 https://ikprress.org/index.php/PCBMB/article/view/9984 https://ikprress.org/index.php/PCBMB/article/download/9984/11702 https://ikprress.org/index.php/PCBMB/article/download/9984/11702 https://ikprress.org/index.php/PCBMB/article/download/9984/11703 https://ikprress.org/index.php/PCBMB/article/download/9984/11704