Distinguished Features of Adaptive Strategies of Halophytes and Glycophytes with Different Types of Photosynthesis in Response to Climatic Stressors

Extreme weather events such as higher temperatures, droughts, and soil salinization are projected to increase as atmospheric CO2 concentrations rise and climate change progresses. These factors have a negative impact on global food security, the water supply, and ecosystem productivity. The focus of this review is on modern concepts, comparative studies, and our data on the mechanisms of adaptation of halophytes and glycophytes with different types of photosynthetic metabolism (C3, C4) to the individual and combined effects of climatic factors. The analysis revealed that C3 and C4 species and C4-NAD-ME and C4-NADP-ME species differ in terms of stability and photosynthetic plasticity. Under drought conditions, both individually and in combination with other factors, C4 halophytes demonstrate the advantages of efficient photosynthesis and salt tolerance. Halophytes with C4-NADP-ME are characterized by uniquely high levels of plasticity and variability in photosynthetic metabolism. This is reflected in their ability to mitigate the negative effects of elevated temperatures and drought through the use of elevated CO2 (eCO2). The mitigating effect of eCO2 on photosynthesis at elevated temperatures was not detected in halophytes, regardless of photosynthesis type. Halophytes possess an augmented capacity for heat tolerance. Integrating fundamental scientific knowledge with urgent practical needs will enable us to predict changes in ecosystems and create new, sustainable agricultural systems.