Future-proofing ornamental plants: Cutting-edge strategies for drought resistance and sustainability

Drought stress presents a significant challenge to ornamental horticulture, affecting plant growth, aesthetic qualities, and overall resilience. As the demand for aesthetically pleasing and sustainable landscapes continues to rise, the development of drought-resistant ornamental plants becomes increasingly critical. While traditional breeding methods are effective, they are time-consuming and labor-intensive, necessitating the integration of advanced technologies to accelerate the creation of resilient cultivars. Despite significant progress in understanding plant responses to drought stress, a gap remains in effectively translating this knowledge into practical breeding strategies for ornamental species. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the multifaceted impact of drought stress on ornamental plants, focusing on its effects on plant morphology, physiology, biochemical processes, and aesthetic value. We explore key physiological adaptations, including alterations in morphology, metabolism, and biochemical pathways, as well as molecular responses involving phytohormones, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulation. Additionally, we discuss cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, synthetic biology, and digital phenotyping, which offer promising strategies for developing drought-tolerant ornamental cultivars. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone alterations, provide plants with the ability to "remember" past stress events, enhancing future resilience. The integration of multi-omics approaches, advanced breeding techniques, and digital tools accelerates the identification of key drought-responsive genes and traits. Finally, we highlight the future directions for ornamental horticulture, focusing on the potential of epigenetic engineering, synthetic biology, and high-throughput phenotyping to create more resilient and aesthetically pleasing plants. These innovative approaches can contribute to sustainable horticultural practices and enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of ornamental plants in a changing climate.