Plant behaviors in response to cold stress

Abstract

Environmental stresses are among the main factors limiting growth and reproduction of the plants. Cold stress is one of the most important environmental stresses which incurs serious losses to different plant products and is considered as a threat to sustainable plant production. A set of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes that occur during the autumn acclimates plant species to the low winter temperatures. Investigation of cold tolerance mechanisms at the cellular levels is a vital step in genetic manipulations for the purpose of improving plants’ resistance against cold. The occurrence of sudden low temperatures either in early autumns or late springs incurs various damages to plants. Cold acclimation during the autumn is necessary for plants to tolerate the low temperatures in winter. Although the overall adaptive process through which plants become tolerant to the low temperature is similar, this phenomenon varies slightly according to the plant species and climate condition. Moreover, when experiencing cold stress, different plant organs show various degrees of injuries, which can be minimized following proper agricultural practices through plant reinforcement. In fact, in time strengthening of the plant and avoiding any stress source can minimize the cold stress damages to the plant. An overview of the causes of cold stress injuries and plant response mechanisms can be helpful in reducing a part of low temperature detrimental effects.

Keywords

• acclimation
• adaptation
• cold stress
• injury
• plant species