Abiotic Stress in Cotton: Insights into Plant Responses and Biotechnological Solutions

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Climate change has rapidly increased incidences of frequent extreme abiotic stresses, such as heat, drought, salinity, and waterlogging. Each of these stressors negatively affects the cotton crop (Gossypium spp.) and results in significant yield decreases. Every stressful event causes specific changes in the metabolism and physiology of plants, which are linked to complex molecular alterations. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate a plant’s response to stress is essential to developing stress-resistant cotton varieties that can withstand various stress factors. Gene expressions in response to multiple stresses have been studied and mapped. These genes include ion transporters and heat shock proteins, which are vital to allowing adaptive responses. These approaches showed the ability to employ advanced genome sequencing and multi-omics techniques to identify dynamic gene expression patterns and elucidate intricate regulatory networks. Using genetic variation in combination with molecular techniques, it would be possible to generate stress-resilient cotton varieties that would enable sustainable cotton output in the face of abiotic stresses. Here, we reviewed the effects of major abiotic stressors on cotton plants, such as heat, salinity, drought, heavy metals, and waterlogging. We also examine the vast network of proteins, genes, and stress-sensitive signaling pathways that help cotton tolerate abiotic stress.