Climate change has rapidly increased incidences of frequent extreme abiotic stresses, such as heat, drought, salinity, and waterlogging. Each of these stressors negatively affects the cotton crop (Gossypium spp.) and results in significant yield decreases. Every stressful event causes specific changes in the metabolism and physiology of plants, which are linked to complex molecular alterations. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate a plant’s response to stress is essential to developing stress-resistant cotton varieties that can withstand various stress factors. Gene expressions in response to multiple stresses have been studied and mapped. These genes include ion transporters and heat shock proteins, which are vital to allowing adaptive responses. These approaches showed the ability to employ advanced genome sequencing and multi-omics techniques to identify dynamic gene expression patterns and elucidate intricate regulatory networks. Using genetic variation in combination with molecular techniques, it would be possible to generate stress-resilient cotton varieties that would enable sustainable cotton output in the face of abiotic stresses. Here, we reviewed the effects of major abiotic stressors on cotton plants, such as heat, salinity, drought, heavy metals, and waterlogging. We also examine the vast network of proteins, genes, and stress-sensitive signaling pathways that help cotton tolerate abiotic stress.

Climate change has resulted in increased incidences of abiotic stresses, such as heat, drought, salinity, and waterlogging. These stressors have a negative impact on the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crop and cause significant yield losses. Each stressor induces specific physiological and metabolic alterations interconnected with the complex changes at molecular levels. Understanding the molecular pathways that govern the cotton plant's stress responses is crucial to develop stress-tolerant cotton cultivars that can withstand different stresses. Molecular investigations have mapped the changes in the expression of stress-responsive genes, encompassing heat shock proteins and ion transporters, which play a vital role in facilitating adaptive responses. These approaches have been shown to help identify dynamic gene expression patterns and elucidate intricate regulatory networks using advanced metagenomics and multi-omics techniques. By leveraging genetic diversity and utilizing advanced molecular methods, it would be possible to develop stress-resilient cotton varieties to ensure sustainable cotton production in the face of abiotic stresses. This review provides an overview of the effects of various abiotic stressors on cotton plants, including drought, salt, heat, and waterlogged soil. We also explore the extensive network of stress-responsive genes, proteins, and signaling pathways in cotton by summarizing the studies on gene expression regulation, proteins involved in stress response, and biochemical characteristics.