Decoding Drought: Physiological Disruptions and Plant Survival Strategies under Water Scarcity

Drought is a major abiotic stressor threatening global food security by adversely affecting plant physiology and crop productivity. As water availability diminishes due to climate change and anthropogenic activities, drought stress impairs various physiological, biochemical, and molecular functions in plants. This review explores the multifaceted effects of drought stress, including its impact on plant growth, water relations, photosynthesis, enzyme function, mineral uptake, and metabolic regulation. It also discusses the role of global warming, rainfall anomalies, and salinity in exacerbating drought stress. By highlighting how plants respond and adapt to drought through tolerance mechanisms, the review underscores the urgency of developing drought-resilient crop varieties and sustainable water management strategies to ensure agricultural sustainability in a changing climate.