Changes in Antioxidant Defence System in Durum Wheat under Hyperosmotic Stress: A Concise Overview

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Agricultural Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Durum wheat is a globally significant crop, vital for food production and human nutrition.
• Cultivated extensively in the Mediterranean, it faces increasing drought and salinity stress due to climate change.
• Hyperosmotic stress from drought/salinity causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative damage in plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding durum wheat's response to abiotic stresses.
• To highlight the role of antioxidant mechanisms in mitigating stress-induced damage.
• To explore the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and key antioxidant enzymes in stress tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific advancements.
• Analysis of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant pathways.
• Focus on superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidases.

Main Results:

• Plants possess complex antioxidant systems to maintain ROS homeostasis under stress.
• Enhanced antioxidant defenses are linked to increased tolerance to hyperosmotic stress.
• The ascorbate-glutathione cycle and specific enzymes play crucial roles in stress response.

Conclusions:

• Boosting antioxidant systems is a key strategy for improving durum wheat resilience to drought and salinity.
• Understanding these mechanisms is vital for adapting agriculture to climate change.
• Further research into antioxidant pathways can enhance durum wheat's yield and quality under stress.