Abiotic Stress in Desert Ecosystems: Mechanisms of Resilience and Adaptation

Desert ecosystems present a unique context for the study of abiotic stresses, including extreme drought, salinity, intense heat, and rapid temperature fluctuations. These harsh environments have driven the evolution of remarkable physiological and genetic adaptations in both native plants and microbes. Recent advances have illuminated how these organisms endure and flourish despite severe water scarcity, elevated soil salinity, and significant thermal variation. However, many fundamental questions remain about the interplay between these compounded stresses, the specific genetic pathways underpinning resilience, and the practical translation of desert adaptation strategies into broader agricultural and ecological applications.Recent studies have highlighted the potential of desert-adapted organisms to inform our understanding of resilience under extreme abiotic stress. Investigations into desert flora and microbiota have revealed novel biochemical pathways for water conservation, salinity exclusion, and thermotolerance, as well as community-level interactions that buffer environmental extremes. Despite progress, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the integration of multiple stress responses, the roles of symbiotic microbial communities, and the genetic determinants that confer transferable resilience. There is a pressing need to synthesize these findings through integrative, multi-disciplinary approaches in order to translate fundamental discoveries into solutions for climate adaptation.This Research Topic aims to unify current efforts to elucidate the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms enabling life in deserts, with a particular focus on identifying traits and genetic factors that can drive the development of climate-resilient crops and sustainable restoration strategies for arid lands. A special emphasis is placed on understanding the synergistic and antagonistic effects of multiple stressors, and on leveraging the mechanisms evolved in natural desert laboratories for use in broader agroecological and land management contexts.To gather further insights at the intersection of organismal adaptation and ecological restoration in deserts, we welcome articles that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:• Physiological and biochemical adaptation strategies to complex abiotic stresses• Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways revealed by omics and systems biology• Roles of soil and plant microbiomes in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance• Ecophysiological research across environmental gradients in desert systems• Translational and applied research towards crop improvement and land rehabilitationWe invite the submission of Original Research articles, Reviews, Methodologies, and Perspectives that employ integrative and innovative approaches to advance our understanding of life in extreme arid environments.-------We welcome contributions from researchers across the field, and we are glad to support you as you prepare your submission. If you would like early feedback on whether your planned manuscript fits the scope of this Research Topic, please write to us at plantscience@frontiersin.org before submitting. A quick check at this stage helps confirm your work is a strong fit and can save you time later in the process.To take part, click “Participate in this topic” at the top right of this page, then confirm through the “Participate” link in the follow-up email. This lets us know to expect your contribution, keeps you informed of key deadlines, and gives you access to resources that guide you through submission. We look forward to your participation and to building a vibrant, cohesive Research Topic together. Topic editors: Peipei Jiao, Michael James Considine Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75175/abiotic-stress-in-desert-ecosystems-mechanisms-of-resilience-and-adaptation