Integrating ROS and plant hormone signaling in response to abiotic stress

Abstract Globally, climate change is threatening crop growth and productivity by promoting abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heat. These stressful conditions trigger excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant organelles like chloroplasts, mitochondria, and peroxisomes. While ROS play essential signaling roles and help regulate cellular redox status, their over-accumulation disrupts cellular integrity, leading to lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, nucleic acid damage, and ultimately cell death. Previous research has highlighted the roles of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in scavenging ROS and mitigating oxidative stress. However, the intricate relationship between phytohormones and the antioxidant defense system under abiotic stress remains insufficiently explored. Addressing this gap, the present review examines recent advancements in understanding plant stress responses, focusing on how abiotic stress-induced ROS production interacts with antioxidant mechanisms. By elucidating these interactions, the review aims to provide insights that could support the development of crops with enhanced stress tolerance.