A discussion on drought tolerance mechanism in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): A review

Author(s) : Zahid Abbas Malik, Sabir Hussain Shah , Shehla Shoukat, Ayesha Maryam, Maryam Murtaza, Muhammad Amir Zia, Abdul Ahad Qureshi4 and Armghan Shahzad

Digital object identifier:

https://doi.org/10.52587/JAF060206

Abstract:

Wheat is a staple food for approximately 35% of the global population, with Pakistan being the largest consumer, consuming 120 kg per person annually. The country cultivates 24.2 million tonnes of wheat over 8.7 million hectares. Wheat is rich in protein (>10%), fats (2.4%), and complex carbohydrates (79%). Given its significance, wheat is a key priority in Pakistan’s agricultural policy. However, wheat cultivation faces challenges, particularly from abiotic stresses like drought, which reduces soil moisture content. These stresses cause alterations at morphological, biological, molecular, and physiological levels, leading to decreased production and potential crop failure. Drought tolerance in wheat is complex, as low water availability can induce toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, and temperature instability, all of which affect plant function. To develop drought-resistant wheat, both traditional breeding and genetic engineering approaches are used. This paper explores the latest technologies for improving drought resistance in wheat, including drought-inducible genes, promoters, and transcription factors. Integrating molecular breeding strategies with conventional methods is recommended to develop resilient cultivars tailored to local environmental conditions, ensuring sustainable wheat production amidst increasing drought pressures.