Plants thrive under stress: pathogens and abiotic factors join forces.
Combining abiotic stress (like drought or heat) with pathogen infection can actually benefit plants by improving their defense responses. Some abiotic stresses can reduce the severity of pathogen infections, while certain pathogens can help plants tolerate abiotic stresses. This review explores how these interactions can enhance plant fitness. Pathogens, especially viruses, can even help plants respond better to abiotic stresses. Understanding these interactions can help identify ways to protect plants from the negative effects of combined stresses.