Modulation of plant immunity by light, circadian rhythm, and temperature

•Plants have evolved mechanisms to balance growth, abiotic stress responses, and immune responses.•The modulation of plant immunity by light, circadian rhythm, and temperature occurs at key nodes of the immunity network.•The modulation of plant immunity by abiotic signals has adaptive value, but is subject to evolutionary constraints. Plants perceive and integrate intrinsic and extrinsic signals to execute appropriate responses for maximal survival and reproductive success. Plant immune responses are tightly controlled to ensure effective defenses against pathogens while minimizing their adverse effects on plant growth and development. Plant defenses induced in response to pathogen infection are modulated by abiotic signals such as light, circadian rhythm, and temperature. The modulation occurs on specific key components of plant immunity, indicating an intricate integration of biotic and abiotic signals. This review will summarize very recent studies revealing the intersection of plant defenses with light, circadian rhythm and temperature. In addition, it will discuss the adaptive value and evolutionary constraints of abiotic regulation of plant immunity.