The power of recall: Physiological and epigenetic memory networks in plants

The escalating frequency and severity of environmental stressors pose a critical challenge to global crop production. Among the various mechanisms by which plants cope with these conditions, stress memory often referred to as "priming" has emerged as a powerful phenomenon. It enables plants to retain molecular, physiological, and epigenetic information from prior suboptimal conditions, thereby mounting faster and more robust defenses upon re-exposure to similar stresses. This review explores the underpinnings of abiotic stress memory in crop plants, focusing on key signaling pathways, genomic and epigenomic modifications, and the regulatory networks they influence. We further highlight practical avenues for leveraging this knowledge in crop breeding and management, particularly in light of climate change. By developing varieties capable of "remembering" and thus better resisting repeated or simultaneous stress events, agricultural systems can become more resilient while relying less on resource-intensive interventions. Ultimately, integrating stress memory into breeding frameworks offers an innovative approach to enhance crop adaptability and ensure a more secure global food supply.