Understanding the impact of terminal heat stress on wheat: Physiological, molecular, and agronomic perspectives Kumar Prafulla1,*, Kumar Ravindra1, Sushmita2, Sengar R. S.1 1Division of Plant Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, SVPUA&T, Meerut 2Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, SVPUA&T, Meerut *Corresponding Author: prafull19kumar@gmail.com
Online published on 9 November, 2023. Abstract Terminal heat stress (THS) is a significant abiotic stress that severely affects the growth, development, and yield of wheat, one of the most important cereal crops worldwide. As global warming continues to intensify, the incidence and severity of THS are expected to increase, posing a major challenge to food security. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying THS tolerance in wheat is essential for the development of climate-resilient cultivars and sustainable agriculture. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in our understanding of THS response in wheat at the physiological, molecular, and agronomic levels. The physiological effects of heat stress on wheat are discussed, including the impact on plant growth, photosynthesis, and grain development. Molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance are also described, including gene expression and protein synthesis. Additionally, agronomic strategies to mitigate the impact of terminal heat stress on wheat are explored, including breeding for heat tolerance, changes in planting dates, and irrigation management. Furthermore, we review the current strategies for improving THS tolerance in wheat, including conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, and genetic engineering. Overall, this review article aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists, and breeders interested in developing climate-resilient wheat cultivars and sustainable agricultural practices under THS conditions. Top Keywords Wheat, Terminal heat stress, Reproductive stage, Grain yield, Physiological responses, Molecular responses, Agronomic strategies. Top |