The article "Plant phenotypic plasticity in a changing climate" by A.B. Nicotra et al. discusses the importance of phenotypic plasticity in plants as a response to climate change. The authors highlight that plants can adjust to novel environmental conditions through phenotypic plasticity, which is now understood to be genetically controlled and heritable. They emphasize the need to understand these plastic responses to predict and manage the effects of climate change on both native species and crop plants. The article provides a toolbox of definitions and a synthesis of current knowledge on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity. It integrates ecological, evolutionary, physiological, and molecular perspectives to offer clear directives for future research and stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue. Key points include: - Phenotypic plasticity is crucial for plant adaptation to rapid climate change. - Plastic responses can buffer against rapid climate changes and assist in rapid adaptation. - Understanding the molecular basis of plastic responses is essential for predicting changes in species distributions, community composition, and crop productivity. - Functional traits, such as seed longevity, phenology, and leaf lifespan, are important for assessing plastic responses to climate change. - Epigenetic modifications and signaling cascades play significant roles in mediating plastic responses. - Plasticity in key traits can influence species distribution changes and shifts in vegetation types under climate change. - Breeding for phenotypic plasticity in traits other than yield can enhance resilience in unpredictable environments. The authors conclude that multidisciplinary approaches and emerging techniques are crucial for advancing the field and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.The article "Plant phenotypic plasticity in a changing climate" by A.B. Nicotra et al. discusses the importance of phenotypic plasticity in plants as a response to climate change. The authors highlight that plants can adjust to novel environmental conditions through phenotypic plasticity, which is now understood to be genetically controlled and heritable. They emphasize the need to understand these plastic responses to predict and manage the effects of climate change on both native species and crop plants. The article provides a toolbox of definitions and a synthesis of current knowledge on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity. It integrates ecological, evolutionary, physiological, and molecular perspectives to offer clear directives for future research and stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue. Key points include: - Phenotypic plasticity is crucial for plant adaptation to rapid climate change. - Plastic responses can buffer against rapid climate changes and assist in rapid adaptation. - Understanding the molecular basis of plastic responses is essential for predicting changes in species distributions, community composition, and crop productivity. - Functional traits, such as seed longevity, phenology, and leaf lifespan, are important for assessing plastic responses to climate change. - Epigenetic modifications and signaling cascades play significant roles in mediating plastic responses. - Plasticity in key traits can influence species distribution changes and shifts in vegetation types under climate change. - Breeding for phenotypic plasticity in traits other than yield can enhance resilience in unpredictable environments. The authors conclude that multidisciplinary approaches and emerging techniques are crucial for advancing the field and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.