Ecophysiological adaptations of plants to heat and drought stress

Plants are more frequently exposed to high temperatures and severe drought periods due to climate change. Plants have evolved various ecophysiological adaptations to cope with these changing environmental conditions. We study the adaptations that enable plants to survive under heat and drought stress: Heat tolerance in plants refers to their ability to protect cellular structures from damage caused by high temperatures. Drought tolerance in plants refers to their ability to conserve water during drought periods. Closing the stomata is an effective strategy to minimize water loss through transpiration. Osmotic adjustment is a mechanism that helps to maintain a favourable plant water status by regulation of the osmotic component of water potential.

• Herbaceous species from calcareous dry grasslands

• Coniferous trees from different climate regions

• Species within the Lotus genus and mutants of Lotus japonicus