The role of ethylene in plant temperature stress response

Abstract

Temperature influences the seasonal growth and geographical distribution of plants. Heat or cold stress occur when temperatures exceed or fall below the physiological optimum ranges, resulting in detrimental and irreversible damage to plant growth, development, and yield. Ethylene is a gaseous phytohormone with an important role in plant development and multiple stress responses. Recent studies have shown that, in many plant species, both heat and cold stress affect ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the role of ethylene in plant temperature stress responses and its crosstalk with other phytohormones. We also discuss potential strategies and knowledge gaps that need to be adopted and filled to develop temperature stress-tolerant crops by optimizing ethylene response.

Keywords: cold stress; ethylene; heat stress; phytohormone; signaling; temperature.