Jasmonic Acid: A Key Elicitor of Cold Stress Tolerance in Horticultural Crops

Abstract

Abiotic stress, like low temperature, adversely affects growth, development, survival, and crop yields, contributing to global food insecurity. Cold stress adversely affects plants in various processes, including low seed germination rate, stunted growth of seedlings, wilting, chlorosis, and necrosis. Conversely, temperatures above the growth-optimal range can negatively impact plant functions and cellular machinery by disrupting cellular balance due to high dehydration in freezing conditions. Cold stress can significantly impact plant yields, often leading to a reduction of 20-30%. Studies have shown that cold stress can cause grain yield losses of up to 38.6%. The impact of cold stress can vary depending on the specific crop, the stage of development when the stress occurs, and the severity of the cold. Jasmonic acid (JA), a plant hormone derived from lipids, is crucial in enhancing cold stress tolerance in horticultural crops. This review summarizes the recent advancements regarding JA-mediated induction of cold stress tolerance in horticultural crops. The review discusses the multifaceted roles of JA in influencing complex signaling pathways, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and modulation of osmolyte production. Furthermore, the review explores the crosstalk of JA with other plant hormones in altered stress responses. Finally, the review highlights the potential of manipulating JA biosynthesis or signaling for developing stress-resilient horticultural cultivars. Overall, this review underscores the significance of JA as a potent elicitor for inducing abiotic stress tolerance in horticultural crops, paving the way for future research endeavors to exploit JA-based strategies for horticultural crop improvement in the face of a changing climate.