Sucrose transporter systems in cotyledons (or pre-existing leaves), as integrators of multiple signals, regulate stomatal development of all leaves.

The dynamic optimization of photosynthetic production, which includes the synthesis of sucrose and glucose, is crucial for maintaining the balance between source and sink organs. This balance, in turn, determines plant growth, development, acclimation, and stress responses. The optimization of photosynthetic efficiency largely depends on the efficient transport of sugars produced through photosynthesis from the leaves. Stomata are pores found in the epidermis of stems or leaves that modulate both plant gas exchange and water/nutrient uptake. It has been investigated that the molecular mechanisms by which the stomatal development of systemic leaves is synergistically controlled by sucrose transporter systems enhance plant acclimation and stress tolerance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the regulation of sugar signaling-mediated stomatal development and sucrose transport, focusing on the model species Arabidopsis thaliana and crop plants. This review provides novel insights into how sucrose transporter systems within cotyledons (or pre-existing leaves), as integrators of multiple signals, control the stomatal development of all leaves (including cotyledons or pre-existing leaves) under diverse exogenous and endogenous signals, to elevate plant acclimation and stress responses. This is achieved by integrating both exogenous and endogenous signals to modulate the process.

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