ABSTRACT
The need for better productivity, improvement, and protection of crops from a majority of diseases has become essential. One such role is played by small RNAs (sRNAs), which are sequenced via different techniques. This entire mechanism is conducted via the regulation or silencing of plants. SRNAs are associated with proteins, namely, ribonucleoprotein (RNP), Argonaute (AGO), and Dicer-like proteins (DCL). Due to this, the expression level of other genes can be regulated. In terms of classification, sub-classes of sRNA give protection against viral pathogens via SRGE mechanisms. The discovery of novel miRNAs is possible with sRNA deep sequencing, which enhances the ability to resist different types of stress conditions. With this technique, major crops such as pearl millet and wheat have attained tolerance against salinity, and tomato and wheat attained tolerance to drought by the action of different types of sRNAs. Taking this into consideration, this chapter elaborates and emphasizes the roles of sRNAs in improving crops against drought, salinity, and pollen fertility.
