ISSN: 2474-8846
Authors: Abbey L*
Temperature stress is a major abiotic factor significantly impacting crop growth, development and productivity. In this study, we investigated the effects of different growth temperatures (10°C, 22°C, and 35°C) on the morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of five important crop species: green lettuce, hemp, mint, red lettuce and tomato. The results revealed that plant height and stem girth of tomato plants were not significantly (p > 0.05) altered under 22°C and 35°C, but were reduced by ca. 61.9% and 65.7% respectively under 10°C compared to 22°C. Green lettuce plants grown under 22°C had significantly (p < 0.001) higher total chlorophyll content of ca. 35.9% than those under 10°C. Mint plants exposed to extreme temperatures of 35°C and 10°C showed significant (p < 0.001) reductions of up to 19.7%, 60.2%, and 45.8% in chlorophyll fluorescence indices Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo, and total chlorophyll content, respectively, compared to those grown under 22°C. Malonaldehyde content (MDA) in mint and tomato plants increased by ca. 686.7% and 476.4%, respectively, under 10°C compared to 22°C, while in red lettuce, MDA content was reduced by ca. 136% under 10°C compared to 35°C. Notably, flavonoid accumulation was significantly higher in hemp plants compared to other species. The results suggest that crop species exhibit diverse responses to temperature stress, extending beyond morphological, physiological and biochemical adaptations. This diversity shows the differential adaptive strategies employed by various plant species in response to temperature stress conditions. The findings of this study can be explored by various crop improvement programs to enhance the tolerance of these crops to temperature extremes, thereby contributing to food security amidst the threats posed by climate change.
Keywords: Climate Change; Temperature; Abiotic Stress; Crop Species; Plant Responses
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