Cold stress is one of the environmental stresses that affects the growth, development, and productivity of crops in various climates. Understanding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms by which plants respond to this stress can improve their growth and development. Cold stress can be categorized into two types: freezing stress and chilling stress. Freezing stress occurs when the temperature drops below 0 °C, while chilling stress occurs when the temperature ranges between 0 and 15 °C. Cold stress leads to the destruction or alteration of membrane proteins, causing a loss of membrane fluidity. This stress also increases the production of oxygen free radicals (ROS), which attack and destroy cell membranes. If cold stress persists, it can ultimately result in plant death. The ICE1-CBF-COR transcription cascade serves as a major signaling pathway activated in response to cold stress in plants. This cascade involves the induction of CBF genes, which encode transcription factors that bind to the promoter of COR genes, initiating their transcription. Enzymes such as SOD, APX, CAT, and GR exhibit increased activity in response to low temperatures. Additionally, the accumulation of MDA can serve as an indicator of oxidative stress sensitivity and cold tolerance. Cold stress has detrimental effects on crop yield formation. It initially impairs the reproductive phase of plants, ultimately leading to reduced final yields. تفاصيل المقالة