Plant physiology is centrally shaped by plant growth regulators (PGRs), a diverse group of signaling molecules that orchestrate development and environmental adaptation. Traditionally, PGRs such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonates (JA), brassinosteroids (BR), and strigolactones (SL) have been recognized for their pivotal roles in processes like cell division, elongation, senescence, and defense. In recent years, the concept of PGRs has expanded to encompass a wider array of non-traditional regulators, including polyamines, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), reactive oxygen species (ROS), small RNAs, peptide hormones, and analogs of animal neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, catecholamines, β-methylamino-L-alanine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). While substantial advances have been made in understanding the canonical roles of these regulators, key questions remain around how traditional and non-traditional PGRs interact and integrate their signals to coordinate plant responses to complex environmental stresses. Recent studies highlight intricate hormonal crosstalk, dynamic regulatory networks, and emerging roles for non-traditional PGRs, but much remains to be discovered regarding the molecular mechanisms, physiological outcomes, and translational potential of these pathways.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of how the full spectrum of PGRs—both traditional and non-traditional—collectively shape plant stress resilience and developmental plasticity. We seek to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PGR signaling, explore how these pathways are integrated during abiotic and biotic challenges, and uncover novel strategies to manipulate PGR networks for targeted crop improvement. By collecting research on hormone crosstalk, signaling cascade integration, and the modulation of plant adaptation, we hope to inspire innovative approaches to enhance crop performance and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

To gather further insights into the complex functions and interactions of PGRs, this Research Topic welcomes articles that address molecular, physiological, and applied aspects of PGR action without limitation to specific species or experimental approaches. We especially welcome studies that provide new knowledge on the following themes:

- Hormonal signaling networks and crosstalk in stress adaptation and development
- Mechanisms and functions of non-traditional PGRs, including peptide hormones, polyamines, NO, H₂S, ROS, small RNAs, and neurotransmitter analogs
- Epigenetic regulation and metabolic reprogramming by PGRs
- Integrative and comparative analyses of PGR responses in model species, crops, and engineered plant systems
- Biotechnological, agricultural, and translational applications of PGR-based strategies for resilience and productivity

Original research, reviews, and short communications are especially welcome to broaden the current understanding and application of PGRs in plant biology and agriculture.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Growth Regulators in Plant Stress Resilience and Developmental Plasticity