Drought Stress in Roses: A Comprehensive Review of Morphophysiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Responses

Abstract

Climate change poses significant threats to agriculture globally, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where drought stress (DS) is most severe, disrupting ecosystems and constraining progress in agriculture and horticulture. Roses, valued for their aesthetic appeal, are highly susceptible to abiotic stresses, especially DS, which markedly reduces flower quantity and quality. Under DS conditions, roses exhibit diverse morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations that vary across species. This review examines the effects of DS on rose growth, yield, and physiological traits, including gas exchange, photosynthesis, phytohormone dynamics, and water and nutrient relationships, alongside their biochemical and molecular responses. Furthermore, DS impacts the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, notably reducing the yield and quality of essential oils in roses, which are critical for their commercial value in perfumery and aromatherapy. Additionally, the impact of DS on rose flower quality and post-harvest longevity is assessed. By elucidating these diverse responses, this review provides a framework for understanding DS effects on roses and offers insights to develop strategies for mitigating its adverse impacts.

Keywords: climate change; essential oil; molecular responses; post-harvest; roses; water scarcity.

Figure 4

Schematic representation of DS signaling in plants. Modified from Khan et al. [180]. DS triggers ABA-dependent and ABA-independent pathways, activating transcription factors such as MYB/MYCs, WRKYs, HD-Zip/bZIP, NACs, DOF, and AP2/ERF. ROS—Reactive Oxygen Species, Ca²⁺—Calcium ions, H₂O₂—Water, NO—Nitric Oxide, MAPK—Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, CIPKs—CBL-Interacting Protein Kinases, CDPKs—Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases, PKs—Protein Kinases, PPs—Protein Phosphatases, ABA—Abscisic Acid.

Figure 1

Different kinds of abiotic stresses and their effects on plants. Macronutrients: Ca²⁺—Calcium. Micronutrients: Fe²⁺—Ferrous Iron, Fe³⁺—Ferric Iron, Mn²⁺—Manganese, Ni—Nickel, Na⁺—Sodium, Cl⁻—Chloride. Toxic Elements: Pb—Lead, As—Arsenic, Cd—Cadmium, Cr—Chromium, Hg—Mercury. Signaling Compound: H₂S—Hydrogen Sulfide.

Figure 2

Effects of DS on the morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of roses. (+) Induce; (−) Reduction. Partially adapted from Seleiman et al. [32].

Figure 3

Effect of drought on the photosynthesis process, modified from Farooq et al. [74]. ABA—Abscisic acid. CO₂—carbon dioxide. H₂O—water.

Figure 5

Schematic representation of an integrated management strategy to improve plant resistance to DS.

Figure 6

Effects of exogenous application of synthetic compounds (1-MCP, alkyl ethoxylate, SNP) and phytohormones (ABA, SA) on the drought tolerance of rose flowers.