Mechanistic Insights into the Abiotic Stress Adaptation of Salix Species: A Comprehensive Review of Physiological, Molecular, and Sex-Dimorphic Responses.

Abstract

As key species for ecological restoration, Salix spp. thrive in harsh environments, including high-altitude regions, arid zones, and saline-alkaline soils, demonstrating remarkable resilience to abiotic stressors. Recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and functional gene research have shed light on the mechanisms underlying Salix species' responses to drought, salinity, heavy metals, and low-temperature stresses. This review systematically synthesizes the physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations of Salix to abiotic stress, with a particular focus on underexplored areas such as sex-dimorphic regulation and integrated hormone-ROS signaling pathways. We emphasize the dynamic interplay between transcription factors, hormonal crosstalk, and ROS signaling that underpins the stress response, highlighting sex-specific variations that modulate adaptive capacity. Moreover, we discuss the synergistic roles of exogenous additives and rhizosphere microorganisms in enhancing stress resistance. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights for breeding stress-resilient Salix cultivars and for future research into stress adaptation mechanisms in woody plants.