PEG-induced Drought Stress in Plants: A Review

Drought is one of the most commonly faced significant factors that impede plant productivity and growth. Especially in the context of agriculture, crop productivity and sustainable farming are most adversely affected by water shortage conditions caused by drought. Plants have several adaptations to respond to such conditions, both physiological as well as metabolic. An understanding of these adaptations is essential to develop a biotechnological solution to the problem of drought-related crop losses across the globe. This review addresses the various changes that plants undergo when subjected PEG (Polyethylene glycol). Various drought stress markers are associated with PEG induced stress are expressed in the biochemistry, physiology, photosynthesis and metabolism of the plant. Therefore PEG treatment in plants are considered as an effective model for drought stress investigation.