Mechanisms of plant saline-alkaline tolerance

Saline-alkaline soil affects crop growth and development, thereby suppressing the yields. Human activities and climate changes are putting arable land under the threat of saline-alkalization. To feed a growing global pop-ulation in limited arable land, it is of great urgence to breed saline-alkaline tolerant crops to cope with food security. Plant salt-tolerance mechanisms have already been explored for decades. However, to date, the mo-lecular mechanisms underlying plants responses to saline-alkaline stress have remained largely elusive. Here, we summarize recent advances in plant response to saline-alkaline stress and propose some points deserving of further exploration.

Automated summary

Saline-alkaline soil adversely affects crop yield, and human activities and climate change pose a threat to arable land. Breeding saline-alkaline tolerant crops is crucial for ensuring food security on limited arable land. While plant salt-tolerance mechanisms have been studied for decades, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to saline-alkaline stress remain largely unknown.