The Stresses That Effect Plants

Plants have evolved genetically based physiological strategies to react to changing environmental conditions, be they abiotic or biotic. Most plants complete their life cycle in a single location and are therefore plagued by challenges such as nutrient acquisition, pathogen attack, and environmental stresses. In response to nutrient limitation, some plants undergo physiological and developmental adaptations to actively scavenge limited nutrients from their environment. These changes include adjustments in root architecture, induction of genes encoding high-affinity transporters (e.g. phosphate, nitrate and sulphate transporters), rhizosphere acidification, and exudation of organic acids (Schactmann et al 1998; Hawkesford, 2000).

However, typically plants simply tolerate stressful environments, which often improve over time. They are not equiped to survive their life cycle under constant stress.

Environmental factors which limit plant exploitation of the environment include Light, Oxidative Stress, Cold, Heat, Nutrition, Water, Salinity, Toxic concentrations of Metals and Pathogens.