Mirza Hasanuzzaman

Masayuki Fujita

Kamrun Nahar

In the industrial era, the most important potential threat to crop production is abiotic stress, including toxic metal/metalloid stress. Growing populations and rapid industrialization lead to the generation and release of huge amounts of toxic metals/metalloids into the environment, altering plant physiological processes and reducing yields. In the last few decades, there has been extensive research to elucidate the mechanisms of tolerance to metal/metalloid toxicity and ways to improve the defense system in plants. Use of exogenous photoprotectants such as osmoprotectants, plant nutrients, phytohormones, signaling molecules, antioxidants, amino acids and organic acids are widely being used to improve plants’ tolerance to metal/metalloid stress. Recently, phytoremediation approaches have been effectively employed to remediate metal/metalloid pollution. This book presents the latest insights into plant responses and tolerance in plants grown under metal/metalloids stress to provide a better understanding of the topic and the future outlook.

Responses, Tolerance and Remediation

Plants Under Metal and Metalloid Stress

Mohammad Anwar Hossain

Om Parkash Dhankher

AKM Zakir Hossain

Sylvain Bourgerie

Parvez Haris

Comprehensive resource detailing the molecular mechanisms underlying heavy metal toxicity and tolerance in plants Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of heavy metal tolerance and functional omics that allow for a deeper understanding of using heavy metal tolerance for deliberate manipulation of plants. Through the authors’ unique approach, the text enables researchers to develop strategies to enhance metal toxicity and deficiency tolerance as well as crop productivity under stressful conditions, in order to better utilize natural resources to ensure future food security. The text presents the basic knowledge of plant heavy metal/metalloid tolerance using modern approaches, including omics, nanotechnology, and genetic manipulation, and covers molecular breeding, genetic engineering, and approaches for high yield and quality under metal toxicity or deficiency stress conditions. With a collection of 26 chapters contributed by the leading experts in the fields surrounding heavy metal and metalloids toxicity and tolerance in crop plants, Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants includes further information on: Advanced techniques in omics research in relation to heavy metals/metalloids toxicity and tolerance Heavy metals/metalloids in food crops and their implications for human health Molecular mechanisms of heavy metals/metalloids toxicity and tolerance in plants Molecular breeding approaches for reducing heavy metals load in the edible plant parts Hormonal regulation of heavy metals toxicity and tolerance Applications of nanotechnology for improving heavy metals stress tolerance Genetic engineering for heavy metals/metalloids stress tolerance in plants With comprehensive coverage of the subject, Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants is an essential reference for researchers working on developing plants tolerant to metals/metalloids stress and effective strategies for reducing the risk of health hazards.

A Biological, Omics, and Genetic Engineering Approach

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants

Adriano Sofo

Naser A. Anjum

Sarvajeet Singh Gill

Narendra Tuteja

Francisco J. Corpas

Cristina Ortega-Villasante

Luis E. Hernandez

Recent Insights into the Double Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Plants

M.N.V. Prasad

Cadmium Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants: From Physiology to Remediation presents a single research resource on the latest in cadmium toxicity and tolerance in plants. The book covers many important areas, including means of Cd reduction, from plant adaptation, including antioxidant defense, active excretion and chelation, to phytoextraction, rhizo filtration, phytodegradation, and much more. In addition, it explores important insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms of Cd uptake and transport and presents options for improving resistance to Cd stresses. It will be ideal for both researchers and students working on cadmium pollution, plant responses and related fields of environmental contamination and toxicology. Includes all aspects of cadmium toxicity and tolerance in plants Provides a comprehensive overview of advances in cadmium toxicity, tolerance and adaptation in plants Elaborates on the advancement of eco-friendly techniques for cadmium remediation from soil and water Provides real-world, application focused techniques

From Physiology to Remediation

Cadmium Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants

Lam-Son Phan Tran

David J Burritt

Pedro Diaz-Vivancos

Mohammad Golam Mostofa

Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) is a ubiquitously distributed sulfurcontaining antioxidant molecule that plays key roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. It is one of the most powerful low-molecular-weight thiols, which rapidly accumulates in plant cells under stress. Recent in-depth studies on glutathione homeostasis (biosynthesis, degradation, compartmentalization, transport, and redox turnover) and the roles of glutathione in cell proliferation and environmental stress tolerance have provided new insights for plant biologists to conduct research aimed at deciphering the mechanisms associated with glutathione-mediated plant growth and stress responses, as well as to develop stress-tolerant crop plants. Glutathione has also been suggested to be a potential regulator of epigenetic modifications, playing important roles in the regulation of genes involved in the responses of plants to changing environments. The dynamic relationship between reduced glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been well documented, and glutathione has been shown to participate in several cell signaling and metabolic processes, involving the synthesis of protein, the transport of amino acids, DNA repair, the control of cell division, and programmed cell death. Two genes, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSH1) and glutathione synthetase (GSH2), are involved in GSH synthesis, and genetic manipulation of these genes can modulate cellular glutathione levels. Any fluctuations in cellular GSH and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels have profound effects on plant growth and development, as glutathione is associated with the regulation of the cell cycle, redox signaling, enzymatic activities, defense gene expression, systemic acquired resistance, xenobiotic detoxification, and biological nitrogen fixation. Being a major constituent of the glyoxalase system and ascorbate-glutathione cycle, GSH helps to control multiple abiotic and biotic stress signaling pathways through the regulation of ROS and methylglyoxal (MG) levels. In addition, glutathione metabolism has the potential to be genetically or biochemically manipulated to develop stress-tolerant and nutritionally improved crop plants. Although significant progress has been made in investigating the multiple roles of glutathione in abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, many aspects of glutathione-mediated stress responses require additional research. The main objective of this volume is to explore the diverse roles of glutathione in plants by providing basic, comprehensive, and in-depth molecular information for advanced students, scholars, teachers, and scientists interested in or already engaged in research that involves glutathione. Finally, this book will be a valuable resource for future glutathione-related research and can be considered as a textbook for graduate students and as a reference book for frontline researchers working on glutathione metabolism in relation to plant growth, development, stress responses, and stress tolerance.

Glutathione in Plant Growth, Development, and Stress Tolerance

Vasileios Fotopoulos

Presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the integration among reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive sulfur species (RSS). Since plants are the main source of our food, the improvement of their productivity is the most important task for plant biologists. In this book, leading experts accumulate the recent development in the research on oxidative stress and approaches to enhance antioxidant defense system in crop plants. They discuss both the plant responses to oxidative stress and mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance, and cover all of the recent approaches towards understanding oxidative stress in plants, providing comprehensive information about the topics. It also discusses how reactive nitrogen species and reactive sulfur species regulate plant physiology and plant tolerance to environmental stresses. Reactive Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulfur Species in Plants: Production, Metabolism, Signaling and Defense Mechanisms covers everything readers need to know in four comprehensive sections. It starts by looking at reactive oxygen species metabolism and antioxidant defense. Next, it covers reactive nitrogen species metabolism and signaling before going on to reactive sulfur species metabolism and signaling. The book finishes with a section that looks at crosstalk among reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species based on current research done by experts. Presents the newest method for understanding oxidative stress in plants. Covers both the plant responses to oxidative stress and mechanisms of abiotic stress tolerance Details the integration among reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive sulfur species (RSS) Written by 140 experts in the field of plant stress physiology, crop improvement, and genetic engineering Providing a comprehensive collection of up-to-date knowledge spanning from biosynthesis and metabolism to signaling pathways implicated in the involvement of RONSS to plant defense mechanisms, Reactive Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulfur Species in Plants: Production, Metabolism, Signaling and Defense Mechanisms is an excellent book for plant breeders, molecular biologists, and plant physiologists, as well as a guide for students in the field of Plant Science.

Production, Metabolism, Signaling and Defense Mechanisms

Reactive Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulfur Species in Plants

Vinay Kumar

David J. Burritt

Pirjo S. A. Mäkelä

In nature, plants are constantly challenged by various abiotic and biotic stresses that can restrict their growth, development and yields. In the course of their evolution, plants have evolved a variety of sophisticated and efficient mechanisms to sense, respond to, and adapt to changes in the surrounding environment. A common defensive mechanism activated by plants in response to abiotic stress is the production and accumulation of compatible solutes (also called osmolytes). This include amino acids (mainly proline), amines (such as glycinebetaine and polyamines), and sugars (such as trehalose and sugar alcohols), all of which are readily soluble in water and non-toxic at high concentrations. The metabolic pathways involved in the biosynthesis and catabolism of compatible solutes, and the mechanisms that regulate their cellular concentrations and compartmentalization are well characterized in many important plant species. Numerous studies have provided evidence that enhanced accumulation of compatible solutes in plants correlates with increased resistance to abiotic stresses. New insights into the mechanisms associated with osmolyte accumulation in transgenic plants and the responses of plants to exogenous application of osmolyte, will further enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which compatible solutes help to protect plants from damage due to abiotic stress and the potential roles compatible solutes could play in improving plants growth and development under optimal conditions for growth. Although there has been significant progress made in understanding the multiple roles of compatible solute in abiotic stress tolerance, many aspects associated with compatible solute-mediated abiotic stress responses and stress tolerance still require more research. As well as providing basic up-to-date information on the biosynthesis, compartmentalization and transport of compatible solute in plants, this book will also give insights into the direct or indirect involvement of these key compatible solutes in many important metabolic processes and physiological functions, including their antioxidant and signaling functions, and roles in modulating plant growth, development and abiotic stress tolerance. In this book, Osmoprotectant-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in plants: recent advances and future perspectives, we present a collection of 16 chapters written by leading experts engaged with compatible solute-induced abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The main objective of this volume is to promote the important roles of these compatible solutes in plant biology, by providing an integrated and comprehensive mix of basic and advanced information for students, scholars and scientists interested in, or already engaged in, research involving osmoprotectant. Finally, this book will be a valuable resource for future environmental stress-related research, and can be considered as a textbook for graduate students and as a reference book for front-line researchers working on the relationships between osmoprotectant and abiotic stress responses and tolerance in plants.

Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Osmoprotectant-Mediated Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

Sergey Shabala

This book contains current knowledge and the most recent developments in the field of halophyte biology, ecology, and potential uses. Halophytes are characterised as plants that can survive and complete their life cycle in highly saline environments. This book explores the adaptive mechanisms and special features of halophytes that allow them to grow in environments that are unsuitable for conventional crops and considers their role as a source of food, fuel, fodder, fibre, essential oils, and medicines. Halophytes and Climate Change includes coverage of: - Special morphological, anatomical, and physiological features of halophytes - Ion accumulation patterns and homeostasis in halophytes - Potential use of halophytes in the remediation of saline soil - Growth and physiological response and tolerance to toxicity and drought - Mangrove ecology, physiology, and adaptation Written by a team of international authors and presented in full colour, this book is an essential resource for researchers in the fields of plant physiology, ecology, soil science, environmental science, botany, and agriculture.

Adaptive Mechanisms and Potential Uses

Halophytes and Climate Change

Barbara Hawrylak-Nowak

Tofazzal Islam

Agricultural biostimulants are a group of substances or microorganisms, based on natural resources, that are applied to plants or soils to improve nutrient uptake and plant growth, and provide better tolerance to various stresses. Their function is to stimulate the natural processes of plants, or to enrich the soil microbiome to improve plant growth, nutrition, abiotic and/or biotic stress tolerance, yield and quality of crop plants. Interest in plant biostimulants has been on the rise over the past 10 years, driven by the growing interest of researchers and farmers in environmentally-friendly tools for improved crop performance. Improved crop production technologies are urgently needed to meet the growing demand for food for the ever-increasing global population by addressing the impacts of changing climate on agriculture. This book is of interest to researchers in agriculture, agronomy, crop and plant science, soil science and environmental science.

Biostimulants for Crop Production and Sustainable Agriculture

Hirosuke Oku

Plants are frequently exposed to unfavorable and adverse environmental conditions known as abiotic stressors. These factors can include salinity, drought, heat, cold, flooding, heavy metals, and UV radiation which pose serious threats to the sustainability of crop yields. Since abiotic stresses are major constraints for crop production, finding the approaches to enhance stress tolerance is crucial to increase crop production and increase food security. This book discusses approaches to enhance abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants on a global scale. Plants scientists and breeders will learn how to further mitigate plant responses and develop new crop varieties for the changing climate.

Approaches for Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants

Arsenic is likely the most talked-about metalloid in the modern world because of its toxic effects on both animal and plants. Further, arsenic pollution is now producing negative impacts on food security, especially in many south Asian countries. Since plants are a major food source, their adaptation to As-rich environments is essential, as is being informed about recent findings on multifarious aspects of the mechanisms of arsenic toxicity and tolerance in plants. Although numerous research works and review articles have been published in journals, annual reviews and as book chapters, to date there has been no comprehensive book on this topic. This book contains 19 informative chapters on arsenic chemistry, plant uptake, toxicity and tolerance mechanisms, as well as approaches to mitigation. Readers will be introduced to the latest findings on plant responses to arsenic toxicity, various tolerance mechanisms, and remediation techniques. As such, the book offers a timely and valuable resource for a broad audience, including plant scientists, soil scientists, environmental scientists, agronomists, botanists and molecular biologists.

Mechanisms of Arsenic Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants

Argelia Lorence

Sergi Munné-Bosch

Ascorbic acid (AsA), vitamin C, is one of the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant in plants and animals. In plants AsA serves as a major redox buffer and regulates various physiological processes controlling growth, development, and stress tolerance. Recent studies on AsA homeostasis have broadened our understanding of these physiological events. At the mechanistic level, AsA has been shown to participate in numerous metabolic and cell signaling processes, and the dynamic relationship between AsA and reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been well documented. Being a major component of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, AsA helps to modulate oxidative stress in plants by controlling ROS detoxification alone and in co-operation with glutathione. In contrast to the single pathway responsible for AsA biosynthesis in animals, plants utilize multiple pathways to synthesize AsA, perhaps reflecting the importance of this molecule to plant health. Any fluctuations, increases or decreases, in cellular AsA levels can have profound effects on plant growth and development, as AsA is associated with the regulation of the cell cycle, redox signaling, enzyme function and defense gene expression. Although there has been significant progress made investigating the multiple roles AsA plays in stress tolerance, many aspects of AsA-mediated physiological responses require additional research if AsA metabolism is to be manipulated to enhance stress-tolerance. This book summarizes the roles of AsA that are directly or indirectly involved in the metabolic processes and physiological functions of plants. Key topics include AsA biosynthesis and metabolism, compartmentation and transport, AsA-mediated ROS detoxification, as well as AsA signaling functions in plant growth, development and responses to environmental stresses. The main objective of this volume is therefore to supply comprehensive and up-to-date information for students, scholars and scientists interested in or currently engaged in AsA research.

Ascorbic Acid in Plant Growth, Development and Stress Tolerance

Fulai Liu

Bingru Huang

Priming-Mediated Stress and Cross-Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants is the first comprehensive overview of the latest understanding of the physiological, biochemical and molecular basis of priming mediated stress tolerance and cross-stress tolerance in plants. Plants have developed unique strategies to respond to ever-changing environmental conditions, which enables them to monitor their surroundings and adjust their metabolic systems to maintain homeostasis. Key components involved in plant stress interactions are discussed in this book, including stress stimulus, signal transduction, transcription regulators, target genes, and stress responses. These topics have recently attracted considerable interest within the scientific community, as a potential means of stress management and in the production of stress-resistant crops that aid in global food security. Since many studies dealing with a range of plant species, under different conditions, have focused on priming mediated stress and cross-stress tolerance in plants, with recent results indicating that plants have a "memory" process where a past stress exposure enables them to be better prepared for exposure to stress in the future, this book is an ideal reference on the topic. Provides comprehensive information for plant breeders developing new stress tolerant crop varieties Includes in-depth, physiological, biochemical and molecular information Includes color images and diagrams for effective communication of key concepts

Priming-Mediated Stress and Cross-Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants

This book discusses many aspects of plant-nutrient-induced abiotic stress tolerance. It consists of 22 informative chapters on the basic role of plant nutrients and the latest research advances in the field of plant nutrients in abiotic stress tolerance as well as their practical applications. Today, plant nutrients are not only considered as food for plants, but also as regulators of numerous physiological processes including stress tolerance. They also interact with a number of biological molecules and signaling cascades. Although research work and review articles on the role of plant nutrients in abiotic stress tolerance have been published in a range of journals, annual reviews and book chapters, to date there has been no comprehensive book on this topic. As such, this timely book is a valuable resource for a wide audience, including plant scientists, agronomists, soil scientists, botanists, molecular biologists and environmental scientists.

Plant Nutrients and Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Masayuki Fujita

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