Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 205-215 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 211 6.3 Data integration and systems biology analysis The integration multi-omics data and systems biology approaches has opened new avenues for understanding the complex responses of plants to water deficit. A multi-omics integration (MOI) study on oil palm under drought stress combined transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data to reveal several pathways affected by water deficit, with cysteine and methionine metabolism being the most impacted (Leão et al., 2022). This comprehensive approach can identify candidate genes for engineering drought-resistant crops. Additionally, bioinformatics tools and computational models have been developed to manage and analyze multi-omics data, as demonstrated in a case study on maize nodal root growth under water deficit, which highlighted the power of integrated datasets in uncovering the landscape of drought responses (Wang et al., 2022). These integrative analyses are crucial for developing a holistic understanding of plant responses to water deficit and for identifying potential targets for genetic and agronomic interventions. In summary, it is necessary to combine genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic to clarify the water deficit reponse mechanism. The integration of these datasets through systems biology approaches is essential for unraveling the complex regulatory networks and metabolic pathways involved in drought tolerance, ultimately aiding in the development of drought-resistant crop varieties. 7 Applications and Future Research Directions 7.1 Molecular breeding strategies for drought-resistant crops Molecular breeding strategies have emerged as a pivotal approach to developing drought-resistant crops. These strategies include marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and targeted gene editing, which have shown promise in enhancing drought tolerance in various crops (Ranjith and Srinivasa Rao, 2021; Ghadirnezhad Shiade et al., 2023a). The integration of multi-omics technologies has furthered our understanding of the complex genetic and molecular networks involved in drought response (Seleiman et al., 2021; Raza et al., 2023). For instance, the identification and manipulation of drought-responsive genes and TFs can breeding the crops with improved WUE and stress resilience (Kaur et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2021c). Additionally, use of the speed breeding platforms can accelerate the development of drought-smart cultivars, contributing to global food security (Raza et al., 2023). 7.2 Sustainable agriculture and water resource management Sustainable agriculture practices and efficient water resource management are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of drought on crop productivity. Agronomic strategies such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and optimized plant density can increase soil moisture retention and reduce water loss (Ghadirnezhad Shiade et al., 2023b). The application of plant growth regulators and beneficial rhizobacteria has also been shown to improve crop drought tolerance by modulating physiological and biochemical process (Zhang et al., 2022). Moreover, the use of exogenous treatments like foliar sprays, seed priming, and the application of osmoprotectants can help plants cope with water deficit conditions (Seleiman et al., 2021). Integrating these practices with advanced irrigation techniques and precision agriculture can offer important practical guidance for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems ( Wang et al., 2022). 7.3 Future research hotspots in water deficit response mechanisms Future research should focus on unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying plant responses to water deficit at the dynamic regulatory networks, epigenetic regulation, environmental interactions, and translational research (Marques and Hu, 2024).. Key areas include the temporal and spatial dynamics of regulatory networks and DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small RNA-mediated gene silencing, play pivotal roles in modulating plant responses (Yang et al., 2021a; 2021b; Kaya et al., 2024). Additionally, exploring the potential of advanced technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 and bisulfite sequencing for precise genome editing and the drought memory in the plant (Kou et al., 2022; Raza et al., 2023). Understanding the cross-talk between different signaling pathways and the integration of multi-omics data and epigenetic markers will provide a comprehensive insight into plant responses to water deficit conditions, pave the way for innovative solutions to develop drought-tolerant crops in the face of climate change (Ranjith and Srinivasa Rao, 2021; Seleiman et al., 2021).
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