Brassinosteroids: Relevant Evidence Related to Mitigation of Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Plants

Abstract

Extreme events of climate change are increasing, such as droughts and heat waves, causing limitations on growth and yield in relevant food crops, as well as threatening global food security. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are natural or synthetic steroids with significant properties that promote plant growth and development. In the current world scenario, research and solutions that can improve plant tolerance to climate change are strategic to ensure food security. The distinctiveness and novelty of this review lie in its comprehensive and detailed approach to the role of BRs in plants under biotic and abiotic stresses. We consolidate information on the action mechanisms on specific organs, providing detailed experimental conclusions of these plant growth regulators, including also commercial products and concentrations tested aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of the stresses. This practical approach highlights the potential of BRs in agriculture and plant protection against stresses. Additionally, our review presents results with plant models and essential food crops, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches and using physiological, biochemical, nutritional, anatomical and agronomic tools to explain the mechanisms of action of brassinosteroids in plants exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses.