Approaches to studying wheat and maize drought stress responses

Abstract Introduction Drought stress remains a critical challenge to sustainable agriculture worldwide, threatening crop productivity and food security. Understanding the physiological processes and defense mechanisms that crops employ under water-limited conditions is essential for developing strategies to enhance drought resilience. Plant responses to drought vary widely depending on species, genotype, developmental stage, and the severity and duration of stress. Beyond annual rainfall totals, yield is also shaped by seasonal precipitation patterns and related environmental factors, which influence the choice of cultivars and crop performance. Finding This review examines the drought responses of maize and wheat, two globally important cereals, across morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular dimensions. Key responses include enhanced root development, reduced leaf area, stomatal regulation, decreased photosynthetic activity and water potential, and elevated proline and abscisic acid levels. Although varietal differences are noted, they are discussed only briefly. Water stress is commonly quantified via water potential and measured using tools such as the Scholander pressure chamber or the increasingly adopted ZIM probe, which allows non-destructive, continuous monitoring. While conventional breeding efforts have targeted drought tolerance, progress is constrained by these traits' polygenic and environmentally sensitive nature. Recently, biostimulants such as seaweed extracts and microalgae-based products have emerged as promising tools for enhancing stress tolerance. Conclusion To meet the demands of a changing climate, future research should prioritize the integration of genetic, physiological, and biochemical strategies to develop crops with robust and durable drought resistance.