The Role of Phytohormones in Regulating Plant Growth and Development under Climate Change Scenarios

Climate change poses a significant threat to global agriculture, affecting plant growth, development, and productivity. Phytohormones—such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid—play pivotal roles in helping plants adapt to environmental stresses induced by climate change, including temperature fluctuations, drought, salinity, and elevated CO₂ levels. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding how phytohormones regulate key physiological and molecular responses under these stress conditions. We highlight the cross-talk among hormone signaling pathways that orchestrate growth-defense trade-offs, stress memory, and resilience. Furthermore, the integration of hormone biosynthesis and signaling with modern biotechnological approaches, such as gene editing and transcriptome profiling, is discussed in the context of developing climate-resilient crops. By elucidating the central role of phytohormones in stress adaptation, this review provides a foundation for future strategies aimed at enhancing crop productivity and sustainability in the face of a changing climate.