Molecular Markers Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops: A Review

Plants face various abiotic stresses like temperature extremes (heat and frost), drought, and salinity, which significantly reduce agricultural yields. These environmental factors affect nutrient management, biosynthetic processes, and overall plant growth. Genetically, stress interferes with the full expression of a plant's genetic potential. Several molecular markers, such as RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat), are used to analyze crop stress tolerance. These markers are also valuable in QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) mapping for stress-related genes. Genes like dehydrins and saltol regulate drought and salinity responses. Single-gene SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) markers are used for genetic mapping and sequencing of stress-related traits in inbred lines, aiding in marker-assisted breeding to enhance stress tolerance.