Crops are often subjected to unfavourable abiotic conditions, especially in marginal lands, due to different soil types, varying soil fertility levels, drought stress, water logging and submergence, heat, chilling and frost temperatures, pollution, cultural practices, mineral toxicity or deficiency, acidity, salinity, etc., leading to undesirable impacts on crop production and accounting for substantial yield reduction, low produce quality and food insecurity in various parts of the world.