Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Plants to Drought and Heat Stress

Water deficit and high temperature are among the most important environmental factors that limit crop productivity in many areas of the world (Levitt 1980). The frequency and severity of hot, dry climates may increase in the future as global warming intensifies. Understanding the mechanisms of plants' adaptations to drought and heat stress should help researchers in improving drought and heat tolerance of crop plants more effectively. Improved tolerance could sustain productivity and help extend cultivation of certain crop Into areas that are currently unsuitable for crop production.