BIOCHEMICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR RESPONSES OF THE HORTICULTURAL CROPS TO COLD RESPONSES

A variety of abiotic stresses can affect horticultural crops, with low temperature being the most critical state. The environment has a tremendous impact on the productivity or quality of these crops. The quality and durability of horticultural crops are negatively impacted by cold stress, which includes freezing temperatures (less than 0°C) and chilling temperatures (0–15°C). Additionally, it disrupts the plants' philological and biological processes, resulting in symptoms such as stem elongation inhibition, wilting, fruit drop, chlorosis, and inhibition of cell division. The vegetative and reproductive growth of horticultural crops, such as papaya, banana, and coffee plants is similarly impacted by low temperature (LT). Cold stress also significantly affects cellular alterations, and disturbances in chlorophyll, photosynthesis, or cell membranes. Ca2+ and K+ ions serve as vital for controlling stress responses. This review emphasizes methods for improving cold stress and maintaining yield quality through optimal temperature control, while also highlighting the biochemical, molecular, and physiological responses of horticulture crops to cold stress.