ABSTRACT
Oxylipins are a complex chemical class produced when plants oxidatively convert unsaturated fatty acids. They have a strong regulatory effect on growth, development and responses to environmental stimuli. Although a great deal of study has shown how important they are for protecting plants against biotic stressors, little is known about how important they are for adapting plants to abiotic stress situations. Oxylipins are involved in a variety of abiotic stress responses, including wounding, changes in light and temperature, dehydration, osmotic stress, exposure to ozone and heavy metal contamination. Based on strong data from genetic studies and biochemical dissections, we reveal that these oxygenated derivatives actively contribute to strengthening plant defensive mechanisms. Although the majority of the academic discussion has focused on oxylipins about biotic stress responses, this work shifts the emphasis to their critical functions in mitigating the complex effects of abiotic stressors. According to recent research, there may be a way to use plant oxylipins as biocontrol agents, which could lead to new opportunities for improving crop resilience and environmental sustainability. This chapter provides an overview highlighting the significance of oxylipin-mediated abiotic stress responses in plants, as well as providing insight into the processes behind these responses.
