Advances in Endangered Plant Research: Ammopiptanthus’s Responses to Biotic and Abiotic Stressors

Abstract

Ammopiptanthus, a unique evergreen broadleaf shrub endemic to the desert regions of Northwest China, exhibits a remarkable capacity for aeolian erosion control and dune stabilization. Attributed to its robust tolerance in terms of xerotolerance, halophytic adaptations, extreme thermotolerance, resistance to biotic and abiotic degradation and its defensive strategies against herbivory, Ammopiptanthus has emerged as an exemplary model organism for the study of plant resilience to diverse environmental stressors. Current research on Ammopiptanthus is scattered, lacking a systematic review, which poses a disadvantage for subsequent in-depth studies and the effective conservation of this endangered resource. In recent years, natural Ammopiptanthus communities have been severely disrupted, and the species’ natural range is rapidly shrinking. Here, this review summarizes the signaling pathways in the Ammopiptanthus response to biotic stress (especially the early signaling events), as well as the research advances in the resistance interactions between biotic and abiotic stresses. Then, the synergistic effects of multiple environmental pressures on Ammopiptanthus could be established, which may provide guidance for further studies on the resistance mechanism of Ammopiptanthus and be beneficial to its natural community protection and reconstruction.