Crop Protection Under Drought Stress

Climate extremes such as drought have significant impacts on agriculture, natural resources, and environment. Climate variables such as temperature and precipitation, which have key roles during a drought, directly impact crop production because they control crop growth, crop health, crop yield, and cropping system yields over time. Moreover, overall drought impact on crop yields is the combined effect of reduced or limited precipitation with increased temperature for a prolonged period, which leads to decreased soil moisture and requires adapted agricultural management practice. This chapter provides a critical and comprehensive review of recent studies about the impact of drought on crop physiology, morphology, and yields and global food security while also commenting on available genetic and agronomic tools in addressing drought stress and protecting crops under drought conditions. Furthermore, this chapter focuses on adaptation strategies to mitigate drought and crop management using sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Best management practices that contribute to the effects of climate change related to drought adaptation and mitigation include appropriate agronomic and genetic tools for crop protection under drought conditions.