Oxidative stress response in plants to combined abiotic and biotic stress factors

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species were considered to be toxic by-products of aerobic metabolism, which were disposed of using antioxidants. However, it has become apparent that plants actively produce reactive oxygen species as signalling molecules to control processes such as programmed cell death, abiotic stress responses and pathogen defense. Oxidative stress, accompanied by increased generation of reactive oxygen species, occurs under the influence of both abiotic and biotic factors. Despite extensive studies of oxidative stress caused by temperature and various pathogens, there is a little understanding about cross-interaction between these factors. This review attempts to focus on influence of a combined action of abiotic and biotic factors on oxidative stress responses in plants. This knowledge might help to provide an insight into mechanisms of molecular interactions in response to multiple stress factors.