GhRAP2.4 enhances drought tolerance by positively regulating the strigolactone receptor GhD14 expression in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Drought poses significant challenges to crop productivity, necessitating a deeper understanding of plant adaptive mechanisms. Strigolactones (SLs), a class of phytohormones, have been recognized as crucial regulators in plant responses to drought, yet the specific role of SL receptor in drought tolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) remains underexplored.

Functions of exogenous strigolactone application and strigolactone biosynthesis genes GhMAX3/GhMAX4b in response to drought tolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Background: Drought stress markedly constrains plant growth and diminishes crop productivity. Strigolactones (SLs) exert a beneficial influence on plant resilience to drought conditions. Nevertheless, the specific function of SLs in modulating cotton's response to drought stress remains to be elucidated.