Item

Abstract

Abiotic stressors, such as heat and drought, are major obstacles to global agricultural productivity and food security, especially with the rapidly changing climate. In India, the northern state of Haryana is particularly susceptible to these stressors, which greatly impact crop growth and productivity. Understanding the relationship between heat and drought stress and plant responses is crucial to better manage these pressures. This study aims to answer two questions: (a) the variation of heat stress over Haryana during the rabi crop season and (b) crop plant responses under heat stress, with a focus on crop health using the enhanced vegetation index (EVI). We used ERA-5 Agrometeorological data and Landsat-5, 7, and 8 datasets to calculate heat stress & EVI over Haryana during the rabi crop season. We found that the heat stress anomaly over Haryana is at a record high in November-December and April and low in January. As heat stress increases, vegetation health decreases, and hence EVI. Abnormal temperatures and sub-optimal water supply negatively affect crop growth and yields due to physical damages, physiological disruptions, and biochemical changes. Understanding plant responses to these stressors has practical implications for remedies and management. The study presents conventional and modern approaches to deal with heat and drought stresses, along with a critical discussion of salient responses and management strategies for these important abiotic stresses. A sustainable approach to manage and deal with heat and drought stress could be a robust strategy for the future.<quillbot-extension-portal></quillbot-extension-portal>