Plant productivity is impacted by drought stress, which adversely affects their morphological and physiological processes. In response, the plant activates its defense mechanisms, but severe drought impairs these responses. In this review, the morphological aspects of water deficit on plants were examined, including reduced germination, rooting, shoot development, and leaf growth, which ultimately lead to quantitative and qualitative yield losses. In addition, physiological aspects of drought were studied, including photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, respiration rate, stomata closure, water, and nutrients relations, and their efficiency. We also presented various agronomic and non-agronomic strategies to combat this global problem as part of the management approach. Breeding using modern methods such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and targeted gene editing was proposed as a promising tool to develop more tolerant crop varieties. In addition, different agronomic methods (plant density, sowing date, crop rotation, conservation tillage, and use of biochar) were discussed. Furthermore, various strategies for improving drought tolerance of crops using nutrient management (salicylic acid, sulfate zinc, chemical fertilizers, and humic acid) were outlined. Mycorrhizae and growth-promoting bacteria were also discussed as effective approaches to achieving drought tolerance in crops. Overall, we concluded that developing drought-tolerant crops requires the use of multiple approaches, including agronomic and non-agronomic techniques and advanced breeding tools.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are central to plant responses under abiotic stress, acting as both damaging agents and signaling molecules. This study explores the balance between ROS production, oxidative damage, and the antioxidant defense mechanisms in plants. Key antioxidant systems include enzymatic defenses (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidases) and nonenzymatic antioxidants (e.g., ascorbate and glutathione). These components play critical roles in mitigating oxidative stress. Understanding these mechanisms and their regulation is crucial for enhancing plant stress tolerance. Additionally, investigating the role of ROS in signaling pathways that regulate stress responses can provide deeper insights into plant resilience. Future research should focus on the intricate interplay between ROS and other signaling molecules, utilizing advanced omics technologies to elucidate these complex interactions. By leveraging these insights, strategies such as genetic engineering, marker‐assisted breeding, and metabolic engineering can be employed to develop stress‐resilient crops, equipping them to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. These approaches will ultimately contribute to global food security and sustainable agricultural practices.