Functional analysis of reactive oxygen species-driven stress systemic signalling, interplay and acclimation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in plant development and stress responses, acting as key components in rapid signalling pathways. The ‘ROS wave’ triggers essential acclimation processes, ultimately ensuring plant survival under diverse challenges. This review explores recent advances in understanding the composition and functionality of the ROS wave within plant cells. During their initiation and propagation, ROS waves interact with other rapid signalling pathways, hormones and various molecular compounds. Recent research sheds light on the intriguing lack of a rigid hierarchy governing these interactions, highlighting a complex interplay between diverse signals. Notably, ROS waves culminate in systemic acclimation, a crucial outcome for enhanced stress tolerance. This review emphasizes the versatility of ROS, which act as flexible players within a network of short- and long-term factors contributing to plant stress resilience. Unveiling the intricacies of these interactions between ROS and various signalling molecules holds immense potential for developing strategies to augment plant stress tolerance, contributing to improved agricultural practices and overall ecosystem well-being.