ABSTRACT
The world’s population is increasing at an alarming rate and will probably reach more than nine billion by the end of 2050; yet global food productivity shows a decreasing trend due to the accumulating negative effects of environmental stress originated by global climate change. Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, chemical toxicity, and oxidative stress are serious threats for future agriculture and result in the deterioration of the environment. Abiotic stress is the primary cause for most of the crop losses worldwide, reducing average yields by more than 50% [1]. Drought and salinity are becoming particularly widespread in many regions, and may cause serious salinization of more than 50% of all arable lands by 2050. Because of the increasing intensity of abiotic stresses caused by climate change, the gap between the potential yield of crops and the realized yield is increasing day by day (Figure 13.1). Minimizing these losses is a major concern for developing countries to improve the global food security.
