Insights on Agricultural Modulators for Mitigating Water Stress in Cultivated Plants

Water stress is one of the major challenges faced by global agriculture, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. The search for solutions that allow for efficient water use and adaptation of agricultural crops to water scarcity conditions is urgent. In this scenario, Agricultural Modulators emerge as promising tools for improving plant resilience to water stress. Research on the potential of these agents to optimize water absorption and use by plants, as well as to promote soil health and agricultural sustainability, is fundamental for the development of innovative and efficient agricultural practices in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

The goal of this Research Topic is to address the challenges posed by water stress in agricultural systems and explore the potential of Agricultural Modulators to mitigate it. We aim to develop and disseminate innovative strategies that involve the use of Agricultural Modulators to improve water use efficiency, increase plant resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these agents and evaluating their efficacy in different environmental conditions is essential for optimizing their use and maximizing the benefits for agriculture. This Research Topic seeks to contribute to food security and agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change and the increasing scarcity of water resources.

We welcome original research articles and review articles that contribute to the understanding and management of water stress in agricultural systems through the use of Agricultural Modulators. Sub-themes may include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanisms of action of Agricultural Modulators in mitigating water stress

• Assessment of the effects of Agricultural Modulators on seed dormancy release, germination, and seedling development under stress conditions

• Development and application of Agricultural Modulators, such as mycorrhizae and plant growth-promoting bacteria

• Use of Agricultural Modulators, such as humic acids, fulvic acids, chitosan, phytohormones, carboxymethylcellulose, and algae extracts, in optimizing water and nutrient absorption

• Integrated management strategies for the efficient use of Agricultural Modulators under water stress conditions

• Evaluation of the impact of Agricultural Modulators on the sustainability and productivity of cultivated plants

Descriptive studies relating to abiotic stress that do not contribute to the mechanistic understanding of the responses observed will not be considered for peer review.

Keywords: water stress, bio-inputs, micromolecules, water absorption, adaptability, resilience

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.