Heat stress-induced sterility in oilseed crops: a focus on Brassica napus

Under changing climate conditions, heat stress (HS) severely impacts the sustainability of oil crops, particularly Brassica species. HS disrupts the growth and development of reproductive organs, leading to sterility, smaller stamens, abnormal spore development, and aberrant ovules. Consequently, yield and oil content in Brassica species, especially B. rapa, B. napus, and B. juncea, are significantly reduced, with B. napus being particularly vulnerable and unable to recover from heat shock. To counteract these effects, Brassica species have evolved various mechanisms, including the abscisic acid pathway and the regulation of gene expression by transcription factors such as WRKY, Alfin-like, and MYB CBF. Plant growth hormones like auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, and ethylene play crucial roles in supporting overall plant development and stamen growth by regulating cell elongation, division, and other physiological processes. However, the full extent of their roles in stress response remains to be explored. Future research should focus on understanding the impact of abiotic stresses on crop yield, developing stress-resilient crops, and elucidating the mechanisms of genes involved in abiotic stress responses in Brassica species. This knowledge is essential for enhancing the resilience and productivity of oil crops under changing climatic conditions.