Drought Stress Management in Potatoes: Physiological, Biochemical, and Agronomic Strategies
Saira Shoukat 1*, Abida Tufail 1
Applied Agriculture Sciences 3(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/agriculture.3110053
Submitted: 03 November 2024 Revised: 05 January 2025 Published: 05 January 2025
Abstract
Drought stress is a major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity worldwide, especially in drought-sensitive crops like potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). Potatoes are highly vulnerable to drought due to their shallow root system and physiological characteristics. Effective strategies, including genetic, biochemical, and agronomic approaches, are critical for mitigating drought-induced yield losses. A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, analyzing physiological and molecular pathways activated under drought stress, including ABA-dependent and ABA-independent gene expression mechanisms. This review explores the physiological, biochemical, and agronomic strategies employed by potatoes to withstand drought stress and highlights the role of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, soil management practices, and genotype selection in enhancing drought tolerance. Drought stress induces various physiological and biochemical responses in potatoes, mediated by ABA signaling pathways. ABA promotes stomatal closure, reduces transpiration, and activates drought-responsive genes such as DREB1A and WRKY. SnRK2 kinases play a crucial role in the ABA signaling cascade, enhancing stress tolerance. Agronomic practices like mulching, residue management, and biochar application improved soil water retention and minimized evapotranspiration. Nutrient management, including the application of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), and silicon (Si), was effective in enhancing drought tolerance. Mid-maturing potato cultivars with fewer, larger leaves showed higher resilience under prolonged drought conditions, while early-maturing cultivars were advantageous in terminal drought scenarios. Drought stress remains a significant challenge for sustainable potato production, necessitating integrated strategies combining genetic and agronomic approaches. ABA signaling and its downstream pathways are pivotal in improving drought resilience in potatoes. Keywords: Potato drought stress, Abscisic acid signaling, Agronomic management, Climate change adaptation, Soil water retention
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