Heat Stress Response Mechanisms and Resilience Strategies in Wheat

Heat stress is a significant climatic hazard, intensified by rising global temperatures and frequent heatwaves, hindering wheat production. Heat stress damage wheat maturity resulting in morphophysiological changes, biochemical disturbances and a decline in genetic potential. Understanding the morpho-physio-biochemical responses of wheat to heat stress is essential for identifying tolerance mechanisms and developing effective strategies to protect wheat under changing climatic conditions. Plants have evolved various mechanisms to cope with heat stress, which include alterations in their morphological and growth responses, as well as adjustments in physiological and biochemical pathways, alongside modifications in enzymatic activities. Recent advancements in conventional, molecular breeding and transgenic methods have facilitated the development of heat-tolerant wheat cultivars exhibiting adaptive responses to heat stress whilst maintaining quality and productivity. This review illuminated the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular impacts of heat stress, the mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation strategies in wheat. Besides, we aimed to explore the integration of innovative use of heat priming and the application of smoke water treatment for stress mitigation, thus providing the basis for identifying and promoting effective management practices to mitigate the effects of heat stress in wheat.