Acetic Acid: Modulating Stress Responses in Plants

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, both abiotic (e.g., drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, heavy metal toxicity) and biotic (e.g., pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses, insect herbivores) stressors significantly impede global agricultural productivity. These stressors disrupt plant metabolic pathways, leading to oxidative damage, compromised cellular functions, and diminished growth and yield. Acetic acid (AA), a simple carboxylic acid, has emerged as a pivotal metabolite in enhancing plant resilience against such adversities. This chapter delves into the multifaceted roles of AA in modulating plant responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses, emphasizing its involvement in osmoregulation, antioxidant defense activation, gene expression modulation, and interactions with phytohormones and microbial communities. We explore the biosynthesis and metabolic pathways of AA, its influence on stress-responsive signaling networks, and its practical applications in agriculture. By elucidating the mechanisms through which AA confers stress tolerance, this chapter aims to provide insights into sustainable strategies for improving crop resilience and productivity amidst environmental challenges.