Environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and pathogen attack significantly impact plant development and productivity. While classical gene regulatory networks have been extensively studied, recent advances underscore the pivotal role of RNA-based regulation particularly non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and epi-transcriptomic modifications in orchestrating precise, rapid responses to stress. This review synthesizes current understanding of how small RNAs (miRNAs, siRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and RNA modifications such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) contribute to stress perception, signal transduction, and gene expression modulation in plants. We examine the dynamic crosstalk between ncRNAs and key regulatory elements, including stress-responsive transcription factors, phytohormone signaling pathways, and chromatin remodelers. Emphasis is placed on the stress-specific expression and mobility of ncRNAs, such as their movement through phloem to mediate systemic signaling. Additionally, we explore the roles of mobile RNAs in systemic acquired resistance and their contribution to stress memory and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Simultaneously, we discuss how RNA modifications influence transcript stability, splicing, translation efficiency, and interactions with RNA-binding proteins during stress conditions. These modifications provide a reversible, finely tuned layer of regulation essential for rapid adaptation. The review also highlights emerging RNA-based technologies, including synthetic RNA regulators, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), and CRISPR-mediated RNA editing as promising tools for engineering stress-resilient crops. By integrating insights into ncRNA function and epi-transcriptomic dynamics, we propose innovative strategies for enhancing crop adaptability in the face of climate change, paving the way for sustainable agriculture in a rapidly evolving environment.
Quadri et al. (Mon,) studied this question.