Reactive oxygen species-(ROS) in plant defense: jack-of-all-trades

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play crucial roles in many plant biological processes. ROS have emerged as major signaling molecules mediating various regulatory reactions in response to environmental stimuli. This signaling is mediated by a highly regulated process of ROS accumulation at specific cellular compartments. Therefore, this review focuses on the intricate ROS signaling in plant defense and strategic virulence effectors from pathogens hijacking ROS homeostasis. In addition, the ROS-mediated regulation of plant processes acts through post-translational modifications (PTMs) is discussed. We also provide a valuable roadmap for translating ROS research into climate-resilient cultivars by exploring the manipulation of pathogen effectors, ROS cascade genes through modern biotechnological approaches, and post-translational modifications against various environmental stressors. This framework can advance research in plant stress biology and agricultural practices.