Plants can precisely sense the absolute and gradual change in
diurnal and seasonal temperature with a wide array of thermosensors
(cellular components that can perceive temperature
change and relay a signal to downstream components) and alter
thermal responsiveness in close association of phenological stage,
tissue type, and metabolic composition. Moreover, plant thermal
responses during developmental transitions (such as germination,
flowering, dormancy) may differ with plant growth habit
(herbaceous to perennial woody) and habitats (temperate to
tropical). On the other hand, environmental factors such as relative
humidity and light have considerable influence on the plant's
response to temperature change. This update will briefly highlight
the key research progress on plant thermal sensing in an attempt to
connect the cellular perceptions to whole plant thermo-responsiveness
regulated by hormones and metabolites. Moreover, in
consideration of the natural environment in which plants survive,
temperature, light, and humidity interactions that regulate plants’
thermal responses are discussed.