Cross-talk and convergence of signaling pathways and metabolic networks in plant stress resilience

Plant growth and productivity are significantly impacted by a variety of abiotic stressors, such as salt, drought, and extreme temperatures. Understanding the mechanisms underlying stress tolerance is essential to increasing crop resilience. This review looks at the intricate relationships that exist between hormonal signaling pathways and metabolic alterations in stressed plants. Hormones like ethylene, salicylic acid, and Abscisic Acid (ABA) coordinate stress responses through complex signaling cascades. Osmotic control and antioxidant defense are metabolic processes that simultaneously shield cells from damage and maintain homeostasis. In addition, photosynthesis plays a crucial role in sustaining energy balance and supporting adaptive stress responses. Under stress conditions, photosynthesis is dynamically regulated through hormonal and metabolite-mediated adjustments, enabling plants to maintain energy balance and enhance stress tolerance. The interaction between these pathways ensures adaptive responses and highlights potential targets for pharmacological or genetic interventions. By taking into account recent advancements, this review provides a thorough overview of plant stress physiology and prospects for agricultural improvement.