Adaptation Strategies of Kiwifruit to Abiotic Stresses: From Physiology to Genetics

This study explores the multifaceted adaptation strategies employed by kiwifruit to cope with various abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies. It highlights the critical role of physiological mechanisms, such as improved water use efficiency, stomatal regulation, and osmotic adjustment, in maintaining plant growth and productivity under stress conditions. At the molecular level, key transcription factors like bZIP, MYB, and ERF, along with stress-responsive genes, are identified as central to enhancing tolerance to environmental challenges. Genetic studies have further identified significant genomic regions and key genes associated with stress tolerance, paving the way for targeted breeding strategies. The case study on drought tolerance provides unique insights into the application of melatonin and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving drought resilience, as well as the potential of genetic engineering in developing stress-tolerant kiwifruit cultivars. This study hopes to offer valuable insights for researchers and breeders focused on improving the resilience and productivity of kiwifruit under adverse environmental conditions.