The agricultural sector faces major challenges from climate change, such as increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and soil degradation, all of which jeopardise food security for a rapidly growing global population. Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and heavy metal contamination account for major crop losses, with drought alone responsible for approximately 70 per cent of potential losses. These stressors disrupt seed germination, root growth and photosynthesis, leading to oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) – highly reactive molecules that can harm plant cells and impair growth.
For more information click here.