PLANT HORMONAL REGULATION UNDER ABIOTIC STRESS CONDITIONS

Abstract

Abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and heavy metals severely impact plant growth and productivity. Plants mitigate these effects through complex hormonal signaling networks involving abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), gibberellins (GAs), cytokinins (CKs), and auxins. These hormones interact in both synergistic and antagonistic ways to regulate gene expression, antioxidant activity, and osmotic balance. This article explores the roles of individual phytohormones and their crosstalk under stress conditions, with special reference to Pakistan’s agricultural challenges. It also highlights current research efforts and prospects for crop improvement through hormone-based strategies.