The Role of Trehalose in Improving Drought Tolerance in Wheat

Drought stress severely impacts wheat growth, development and yield, significantly challenging global food security. Wheat is a staple crop worldwide, and increasing its drought resilience is crucial. Trehalose, a stress-protective disaccharide, is crucial for enhancing drought tolerance. This review examines strategies for strengthening wheat's drought resilience through trehalose, including genetic modifications to enhance trehalose synthesis and external applications. It discusses how trehalose influences vital physiological processes—such as osmotic adjustment, oxidative stress reduction and cellular stability—that collectively boost drought tolerance. Additionally, this review explores nano-trehalose formulations, particularly nano-trehalose chitosan, as innovative means to improve trehalose delivery and efficacy. The review also synthesises recent findings, highlighting trehalose's role in supporting drought tolerance and its broader potential in sustainable agriculture. Integrating trehalose-based strategies and nanotechnology offers a promising pathway for developing drought-resistant wheat varieties, contributing to sustainable wheat production and global food security.