Strategies for Protecting Cereals and Other Utility Plants Against Cold and Freezing Conditions—A Mini-Review

Low-temperature (LT) stresses (cold and frost) are major abiotic factors limiting plant growth and productivity. LT induces numerous physiological and biochemical changes in plants, changes hormonal balance and photosynthetic efficiency. Stress induced by LT often leads to yield losses in crops. While plants like maize and cucumber are highly sensitive to cold, winter cereals such as wheat and rye suffer mainly from severe frosts. Ongoing climate change and temperature fluctuations further increase the risk of LT-induced damage. To counteract the problems connected with LT stress, multiple strategies have been developed to enhance plant tolerance. Agrotechnical practices and biochemical treatments involving the application of phytohormones or osmoprotectants are designed to improve plant tolerance to LT. Beneficial plant–microbe interactions also contribute to alleviating LT stress. In addition, genetic engineering offers powerful tools for creating new cultivars that are more tolerant to LT. The CRISPR/Cas system, in particular, enables precise modifications and represents a promising tool for advancing sustainable agriculture. Integrated methods of protection are crucial for securing food supplies, especially under conditions of a changing climate. This mini-review summarises strategies for protecting plants against LT stress, with special attention paid to crop plants.