Stress Memory and Priming in Plants: Epigenetic and Metabolic Pathways for Climate Resilience

In the field of plant biology, a growing body of evidence shows that plants possess the remarkable ability to “remember” previous encounters with environmental stresses, such as drought, heat, or pathogen attack. This stress memory equips them to mount faster, stronger, and more efficient responses when faced with similar challenges in the future. Advances in genomics, epigenetics, and systems biology have led to the identification of numerous genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic pathways integral to this phenomenon. However, critical questions remain regarding the precise molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing stress memory and priming, especially the interplay between immediate adaptive responses and longer-term physiological or developmental trade-offs. The field is witnessing dynamic debates over the stability and heritability of stress memories, the relative importance of different types of epigenetic marks, and the mechanisms enabling transgenerational effects. While significant strides have been made in linking specific chromatin changes or metabolic profiles with primed states, the practical application of these insights in agriculture still requires a deeper understanding of their robustness and ecological significance.This Research Topic aims to illuminate the full spectrum of molecular, epigenetic, and metabolic mechanisms that underpin stress memory and priming in plants. Our goal is to connect mechanistic insights with demonstrable improvements in plant resilience and performance, rigorously evaluating the durability, fitness costs, and potential inheritance of acquired stress memories. By integrating fundamental discoveries with applied strategies such as breeding, genome editing, seed priming, and biostimulant use, we aspire to bridge the gap between basic research and sustainable agricultural innovation suited for a changing climate.To gather further insights into the epigenetic and metabolic bases of stress memory and priming in plants, we welcome submissions spanning fundamental studies, translational research, and field applications. This Research Topic is broadly scoped but focuses on the integration of molecular, cellular, and physiological perspectives, as well as strategies with direct improvement potential for crop systems. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Molecular mechanisms underlying stress memory induced by heat, drought, salinity, cold, or pathogensEpigenetic signatures including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodelingRoles of small RNAs and regulatory networks in primingMetabolic and redox/ROS reprogramming underlying adaptive responsesPersistence, stability, and trade-offs of stress memory, including transgenerational inheritanceQuantitative physiological outcomes of primed responses and associated fitness costsApplication of breeding, genome editing, seed priming, and biostimulants to enhance resilienceField trials and case studies bridging mechanistic insights and practical agronomyAuthors may contribute original research articles, reviews, perspectives, or methods papers that fit within the scope described above. Topic editors: Mario Pagano, Claudia Cocozza, Beata Patrycja Plitta-Michalak, RICHARD ODONGO MAGWANGA Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80194/stress-memory-and-priming-in-plants-epigenetic-and-metabolic-pathways-for-climate-resilience