Current status of the production of high temperature tolerant transgenic crops for cultivation in warmer climates

• Decline in global crop productivity is an emergent risk posed by climate change.
• Production of thermotolerant transgenic plants is the key to mitigate such risks.
• Heat shock proteins and heat shock factors are critical for genetically engineering thermotolerance.
• Elucidation of thermotolerance mechanisms is prerequisite for heat tolerant crops.

Climate change is resulting in heightened incidences of plant heat stress episodes. Production of transgenic crops with enhanced heat stress tolerance is a highly desired agronomic trait for the sustainability of food production in 21st century. We review the current status of our understanding of the high temperature stress response of plants. We specifically deliberate on the progress made in altering levels of heat shock proteins (Hsp100, Hsp70/Hsp40 and sHsps), heat shock factors and specific metabolic proteins in improving plant tolerance to heat stress by transgenic approach.