Phytohormones play a critical role in the complex signalling pathways controlling plant responses to abiotic stresses. Recent research on stress responses has concentrated on molecular signalling mechanisms with rather less effort devoted to hormones and the more physiological aspects. This edited volume aims to provide an up-to-date account of the roles played by phytohormones in the coordination of plant growth and development in response to stress, and to provide an insight into the complexity of the mechanisms involved in signal perception and transduction in response to abiotic stresses. The format includes a mix of chapters ranging from those outlining general aspects of phytohormone involvement in stress responses to individual chapters on some of the traditionally recognised major hormone classes (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins and ethylene) and on less well-known compounds (nitric oxide, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid). Disappointingly, there is no chapter specifically focussing on what is probably the central hormone involved in plant stress responses (abscisic acid), though it is discussed in the text.

Overall, the articles bring together much useful information on phytohormone involvement in the signalling pathways in response to abiotic stresses, with a particularly useful chapter by Harrison on the cross talk between them, and some useful up-to-date information and references. There is little attempt to synthesise available information on overall stress responses that could make this an essential read for researchers or students. Therefore, I cannot see any individuals and few libraries wanting to purchase a copy at this price. For most topics covered, more useful reviews can be found in recent issues of Annual Reviews or relevant plant journals.