Role of GABA Under Bacterial Stress in Plants

Climate change-induced environmental stresses pose significant challenges to plant ecosystems. Unlike mobile organisms, plants must adapt to their environment, deploying various defence mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. Central to these adaptive strategies is primary metabolism, through which plants adjust their carbon and nitrogen balance. In this context, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-protein amino acid, has gained attention for its role in plant stress responses. While historically considered a metabolite, recent research reveals that GABA functions as a key signalling molecule, influencing plant stress tolerance through the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium signalling, and metabolic pathways. This chapter explores the involvement of GABA in in response to biotic stress with a focus on bacterial stress in plants.