Phyto‐Oxylipins as Key Regulators of Plant Resilience to Abiotic and Biotic Stress

Abstract

Phyto‐oxylipins, oxidized derivatives of unsaturated fatty acids, serve as crucial mediators in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe under changing climatic conditions. These signaling molecules, produced enzymatically or spontaneously, orchestrate a wide range of physiological and molecular responses that enhance plant resilience. By scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulating antioxidant enzymes, phyto‐oxylipins help mitigate oxidative damage, thus preserving cellular integrity and sustaining growth under environmental stress. Additionally, they interact intricately with key phytohormones such as jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid, and salicylic acid (SA), forming a dynamic hormonal network that regulates stress‐responsive genes and adaptive processes. Beyond stress mitigation, phyto‐oxylipins promote wound healing, programmed cell death, and cell wall reinforcement, essential for maintaining plant structural integrity. Recognizing these molecules as central regulators of stress adaptation offers promising avenues for developing climate‐resilient crops. This review synthesizes current insights into the molecular and physiological roles of phyto‐oxylipins, emphasizing their potential in integrating plant defense mechanisms to enhance crop productivity amid abiotic and biotic challenges.