Search

Climate change is causing drastic reduction in crop yields around the globe due to increase in soil salinity, drought and heat stress. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is regarded as a very significant food security crop considering the climate change scenario. Two quinoa genotypes (Puno and Titicaca) were cultivated on salt affected soil under drought stress with different sowing dates. Compared with early sowing, late sowing combined with salinity and drought stress caused drastic decline in plant growth and grain yield due to imposition of heat stress. Plant biomass and grain yield decreased by 26% and 39% in Puno, and by 34% and 49% in Titicaca under late sowing accompanied by salt and drought stress. Relative water contents and stomatal conductance of leaves declined in the same trend in both genotypes. Shoot Na+ concentration was the highest whereas K+ concentration was the lowest in both genotypes when drought and salt stress were combined under late sowing. Grain minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, K, P, N and Mn) and dietary contents (protein, lipids, carbohydrates and fibre) were decreased more under the combination of salinity and drought for late sowing as compared to early sowing. When salinity and drought stress were combined under late sowing, the contents of H2O2 and TBARS were 1.9 and 2.2‐fold higher in Puno and 2.4 and 2.6‐fold higher in Titicaca, respectively. The oxidative stress was mitigated by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and POD) more in Puno than Titicaca. Plant biomass and grain yield were higher in Puno with better grain quality than Titicaca. Hence, this genotype should be cultivated on salt affected soils facing drought and high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanaceous crops act as a source of food, nutrition and medicine for humans. Soil salinity is a damaging environmental stress, causing significant reductions in cultivated land area, crop productivity and quality, especially under climate change. Solanaceous crops are extremely vulnerable to salinity stress due to high water requirements during the reproductive stage and the succulent nature of fruits and tubers. Salinity stress impedes morphological and anatomical development, which ultimately affect the production and productivity of the economic part of these crops. The morpho-physiological parameters such as root-to-shoot ratio, leaf area, biomass production, photosynthesis, hormonal balance, leaf water content are disturbed under salinity stress in Solanaceous crops. Moreover, the synthesis and signalling of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, accumulation of compatible solutes, and osmoprotectant are significant under salinity stress which might be responsible for providing tolerance in these crops. The regulation at the molecular level is mediated by different genes, transcription factors, and proteins, which are vital in the tolerance mechanism. The present review aims to redraw the attention of the researchers to explore the mechanistic understanding and potential mitigation strategies against salinity stress in Solanaceous crops, which is an often-neglected commodity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In arid and semiarid countries, grain yield of maize is increasingly impaired by soil salinity. Beside soil amelioration, the development of salt‐resistant cultivars is a possibility to enhance crop yield on salt‐affected soils. Aims: This study aimed at testing yield performance in the field of salt‐resistant maize hybrids on a salt‐affected soil. In addition, planting density was optimized under the saline conditions. Methods: Four salt‐resistant maize hybrids (Zea mays L. SR‐05, SR‐12, SR‐15, and SR‐16) were grown under control (EC = 2.0–2.5 dS m−1) and saline (EC = 10.0–12.0 dS m−1) field conditions and compared to the salt‐sensitive maize cv. Pioneer‐3906. Planting density (5, 8, or 11 plants m−2) was optimized for saline soil conditions for SR‐12 and the local hybrid EV‐78. Results: Yield of Pioneer‐3906 was significantly reduced under salinity because of inhibited kernel setting, whereas the SR hybrids showed no decrease in grain yield. Based on grain yield, the optimum planting density was 8 plants m−2 with no further increase with 11 plants m−2. In contrast to SR‐12, for cv. EV‐78 no increase of harvest index with 8 relative to 5 plants m−2 was observed. Conclusions: Vegetative growth of Pioneer‐3906 and the SR hybrids was decreased due to Phase‐I effects but neither due to water deficiency nor ion toxicity. The experiment corroborated the salt resistance of the SR hybrids under field conditions. Under saline conditions, optimum planting density of salt‐resistant cultivars may be higher than under nonsaline conditions when sufficient water supply by artificial irrigation is guaranteed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity, drought, and increasing temperatures are serious environmental issues that drastically reduce crop productivity worldwide. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is an important crop for food security under the changing climate. This study examined the physio-biochemical responses, plant growth, and grain yield of four quinoa genotypes (A7, Titicaca, Vikinga, and Puno) grown in pots containing normal (non-saline) or salt-affected soil exposed to drought and elevated-temperature treatments. Combinations of drought, salinity, and high-temperature stress decreased plant growth and yield more than the individual stresses. The combined drought, salinity, and heat stress treatment decreased the shoot biomass of A7, Puno, Titicaca, and Vikinga by 27, 36, 41, and 50%, respectively, compared to that of control plants. Similar trends were observed for grain yield, chlorophyll contents, and stomatal conductance. The combined application of these three stresses increased Na concentrations but decreased K concentrations in roots and shoots relative to control. Moreover, in the combined salinity, drought, and high-temperature treatment, A7, Puno, Titicaca, and Vikinga had 7.3-, 6.9-, 8-, and 12.6-fold higher hydrogen peroxide contents than control plants. All four quinoa genotypes increased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and POD) to overcome oxidative stress. Despite A7 producing the highest biomass under stress, it did not translate into increased grain production. We conclude that Puno and Titicaca are more tolerant than Vikinga for cultivation in salt-affected soils prone to drought and heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity and water stress are serious environmental issues that reduced crop production worldwide. The current research was initiated (2012) in the wirehouse of the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to investigate the growth, stress tolerance, and physiological responses of guava to salinity and water shortage. Guava was grown for one year in pots containing soil with Eight treatments (control, 10 dS m−1, 20 dS m−1, 40 dS m−1, control + water stress (WS), 10 dS m−1 + WS, 20 dS m−1 + WS, 40 dS m−1 + WS) in a completely randomized design. The results indicated that plant growth, stress tolerance, and physiological parameters declined at higher salinity and water stress and could not survive at 40 dS m−1. The 20 dS m−1 + WS caused a > 70% decline in dry weights of shoot and root regarding control. Similarly, the highest decrease in stress tolerance was noticed in 20 dS m−1 + WS followed by the 20 dS m−1 treatment than control. Our findings validated that guava can be cultivated on soils having salinity ≤ 10 dS m−1 but it could not be cultivated on soils having salinity ≥ 20 dS m−1 with limited water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a serious environmental problem worldwide. To explore the comparative effects of soil salinity and sodicity on physiological, biochemical and nutritional quality attributes of four quinoa genotypes (A1, A7, Puno, Vikinga), pot and field experiments were performed on non‐saline soil and two types of salt‐affected soils designated as SS1 (saline) and SS2 (saline‐sodic). The results of both the experiments showed similar reduction pattern in biomass (11%–44%), chlorophyll content (10%–36%), stomatal conductance (18%–32%) and grain yield (30%–47%) of four genotypes on SS2 compared with SS1. Higher sodicity level of SS2 resulted in more Na accumulation (23%–40%) and oxidative damage (12%–35% decrease in membrane stability) leading to an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) in all the genotypes. Grain mineral contents (except Na and Mg) were decreased more in SS2 than SS1. Multivariate analysis revealed that grain Na content has negative correlation with all the nutritional quality attributes except Mg and fibre contents. Genotypes A1 and A7 were more salt tolerant with better grain nutritional quality than Puno and Vikinga. It is concluded that soil sodicity is more detrimental than salinity, and quinoa genotypes A1 and A7 are better than Puno and Vikinga for cultivation on saline and saline‐sodic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity represents a medium with high soluble salts where as sodicity represents a medium with high exchangeable sodium, low calcium and highly alkaline pH. Salinity and sodicity commonly occur together in salt-affected soils however physiological studies have mostly considered salinity alone ending up in poor field success of the selected genetic resources. Similarly, the role of root-mediated acidification in salt resistance is not known in wheat. Here six wheat genotypes were exposed to salinity (NaCl: 125 mM), low calcium (25% of non-treated control) and salinity + low calcium in solution culture. There were significant differences among the wheat genotypes for growth and leaf ionic composition under salinity, low calcium and salinity + low calcium treatments. The wheat genotypes SARC-1, 25-SAWSN-42 and Pasban-90 accumulated higher K+ and Ca2+ and lower Na+ and Cl− and were resistant to the combined stress of low calcium and salinity. These genotypes also showed higher root-mediated acidification under stress conditions. The wheat genotypes resistant to salinity + low calcium supply in solution culture also performed better in the saline-sodic soil in a lysimeter study. A genotype resistant to salinity alone accumulated lower Ca2+ and showed lower rhizosphere acidification potential and did not perform good in saline-sodic soil conditions. Therefore, root-mediated acidification potential and resistance to low calcium supply improves resistance of wheat to saline-sodic conditions. It is further suggested that screening of the wheat germplasm for saline-sodic soils should be carried out at salinity + low calcium to better simulate saline-sodic field conditions. • Sodicity occurs with salinity in field but is ignored in physiological studies. • This study simulated saline sodic soil as salinity + low calcium in solution. • A genotype resistant to salinity + low calcium is resistant in saline sodic soil. • A resistant genotype accumulates higher Ca2+ and shows higher rhizosphere acification. • Screening for saline sodic soils should be done in salinity + low calcium solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization is a serious environmental menace that reduces the development, growth and yield of most of the plants. Growing halophyte crops such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a promising way of productive utilization of saline soils. The present study was conducted during 2018-19, in which we investigated the comparative salt tolerance potential of two genotypes of quinoa (Puno and A1) on the basis of growth, ionic and physiological attributes. Five-week-old seedlings of both genotypes were exposed to different levels of salinity (0, 100, 200 and 400 mM NaCl) developed in Hoagland's nutrient solution. Results revealed that root and shoot growth, chlorophyll contents, membrane stability and relative water content remained unchanged at lower level of NaCl (100 mM). However, these attributes decreased significantly at higher level of NaCl (400 mM). The Na+ concentrations increased, whereas K+ concentrations and the ratio of K+: Na+ showed an inverse relation to the increasing salinity levels. The comparison of both genotypes indicated that physiological attributes and plant biomass were higher in A1 than Puno due to less uptake of Na+ ions and higher K+: Na+ ratio. Therefore, A1 is more suitable genotype than Puno to be grown on saline soils in arid regions of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both salinity and cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils are the most critical issues of global food security. Soil application of biochar could decrease toxic metal and sodium (Na) uptake by plants in the season, but its long-term residual effects on metal uptake in latter crops need evaluation. A pot experiment with rice was conducted under ambient conditions in a Cdcontaminated soil which was used in an earlier experiment on wheat where soil was treated with different rates of biochar (0, 3, and 5% w/w) and irrigated with water having different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mM). Further treatments were not applied in the current study. The results revealed that plant growth and photosynthesis reduced while Cd and Na concentrations and oxidative stress were increased in plants under combined Cd and salinity. Biochar application reduced the Cd and Na concentrations and increased the potassium (K) concentrations in plants while diminished the oxidative stress in salt-stressed rice. Biochar positively affected the plant growth and physiology in a soil treated with 0, and 25 mM salt stress. However, plant growth and photosynthesis were reduced with biochar amendments under 50 mM NaCl stress. Soil AB-DTPA extractable Cd was higher in salinized soil without biochar addition, while biochar reduced the Cd extractability. It can be concluded that all biochar amendments had a significant residual effect on decreasing Cd and Na uptake while plant growth was negatively affected at higher biochar and salinity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted under two natural field conditions at the Research Farm (normal soil) and Proka Farm (salt-affected soil) of The Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (ISES), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to evaluate the performance of 11 rice genotypes in normal and salt-affected conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The gas exchange attributes were measured at vegetative stage whereas the grain and straw yields and the yield components were recorded at maturity. After harvesting, the ionic parameters including sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) were determined. Afterward, grain quality in terms of length, width, milling recovery, broken fraction, and chalkiness was also determined for the selected genotypes. Salt-affected conditions adversely affected the physiology, yield, and quality of the tested genotypes. The genotypes KS-282 followed by Shaheen Basmati showed significantly higher photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance under both normal and salt-affected conditions, whereas the genotypes 99404 followed by 99417 showed minimum values of gas exchange attributes. The grain and straw yields were the highest in the case of KS-282 at both sites, whereas the lowest grain and straw yields were observed in the case of 99440 followed by 99417 under both normal and salt-affected conditions. Regarding the quality attributes, Super Basmati produced longer grains but with higher broken fraction and lower milling recovery, whereas the reverse was observed in the case of KS-282. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is considered a serious environmental issue in many countries of the world, including Pakistan. A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study different mechanisms of salinity tolerance in two Acacia species, namely Acacia stenophylla A. Cunn. ex Benth. and Acacia albida Delile. Uniform seedlings of both species were grown for 28 days in half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution with 0, 100, or 200 mmol·L−1 NaCl concentrations. The results revealed that shoot biomass decreased by 21% and 29% at the lower salinity level (100 mmol·L−1 NaCl) and by 44% and 55% at the higher salinity level (200 mmol·L−1 NaCl) in A. stenophylla and A. albida, respectively. The respective reductions in root biomass of both species were 20% and 29% at the lower salinity level and 36% and 54% at the higher salinity level. The physiological attributes such as chlorophyll and relative water contents decreased to a greater extent in A. albida than in A. stenophylla. As a result of oxidative stress, membrane stability index (MSI) decreased in both species, with a greater reduction in A. albida. Among different antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), the highest increase (sixfold) was observed in SOD activity in A. stenophylla. This study concludes that A. stenophylla is more salinity tolerant than A. albida as it maintained better ionic balance and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes and, as a result, higher biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity adversely affects plant growth, photosynthesis, and availability of nutrients including iron. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is susceptible to soil salinity and highly prone to iron (Fe) deficiency due to lower release of Fe-chelating compounds under saline conditions. In order to investigate the effects of salinity and low iron supply on growth, photosynthesis, and ionic composition of five rice genotypes (KS-282, Basmati Pak, Shaheen Basmati, KSK-434 and 99417), a solution culture experiment was conducted with four treatments (control, 50 mM NaCl, Fe-deficient, and 50 mM NaCl + Fe-deficient). Salinity and Fe deficiency reduced shoot and root growth, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll concentration, and stomatal conductance. The reduction in all these parameters was more in the interactive treatment of salinity and low Fe supply. Moreover, a significant increase in shoot and root Na+ with corresponding decrease in K+ and Fe concentrations was also observed in the combined salinity and Fe-deficiency treatment. Among the tested genotypes, Basmati Pak was the most sensitive genotype both under salt stress and Fe deficiency. The genotype KS-282 performed better than other genotypes under salinity stress alone, whereas Shaheen Basmati was the best genotype under Fe deficiency in terms of all the studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is an abiotic stress affecting the growth and development of plants like wheat and genotypes of wheat differ in their response to salinity. These genotypic variations in wheat for salinity tolerance are due to physiological and biochemical differences. The objective of this study was to assess the genotypic differences between two wheat genotypes 25-SAWSN-12 and 25-SAWSN-8. A hydroponic study with four replications was carried out; two treatments control and salinity (125 mM NaCl) were applied. Salinity reduced shoot and root growth, a reduction in water relations, photosynthetic attributes and membrane stability index (MSI) was also observed in both genotypes but this reduction was more conspicuous in 25-SAWSN-8 than in 25-SAWSN-12. The ionic composition showed that 25-SAWSN-12 had more K+, and less Na+ and Clconcentrations in its shoot and root while 25-SAWSN-8 behaved in an opposite way. It seems that the reduction in growth, water relations, photosynthetic attributes and membrane stability was due to the toxic effect of Na+ and less uptake of K+ caused by salt stress. The genotype 25-SAWSN-12 was able to cope with drastic effects of Na+ therefore it showed better growth under salinity as compared to 25-SAWSN-8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivation of crops in salt-affected soils is a major challenge for growers. Despite the use of multiple amendments, salinity stresses adversely affect the crops to some extent. On the other hand, imbalance in the use of boron (B) as a nutrient also creates toxicity. Mismanagement of B fertilizer application decreases the growth and yield of crops. It is necessary to study in depth the adverse effects of salinity and B toxicity. This is why the current research work was conducted in a glass house at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia. The aim of study was to investigate the influence of salinity and B toxicity on carbohydrate partitioning, growth, and ionic composition of two Australian wheat varieties. There were four treatments, i.e., control, high B (15 kg ha−1), salinity (15 dS m−1), and B + salinity. The results showed that the salt-tolerant Halberd (HB) variety accumulated more Na+, B, and Cl− in their leaf sheath and kept the leaf blades free of these toxic ions as compared to the sensitive variety Westonia (WS). Water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC; i.e., glucose, sucrose, fructose, and fructans) concentration increased in response to individual as well as combined constrains of soil salinity and toxic B in the leaf blade of both tolerant and sensitive wheat varieties, but the increase was higher in the tolerant variety as compared to the sensitive one. The concentration of WSCs in leaf sheath of the salt-tolerant wheat variety was increased in response to stress conditions, but those remained low in salt-sensitive ones. Therefore, the salt-tolerant HB genotype was found to be a good source for future wheat breeding programs or to be grown by farmers in B toxic, saline, and B toxic–saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a major environmental issue in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Acacia has very important role for salt affected barren lands due to its high salinity tolerance potential. The aim of the present study was to explore the genetic differences among Acacia ampliceps and Acacia nilotica regarding their response to salinity. Three-weeks old seedlings of both species were transplanted in half strength Hoagland nutrient solution having five salt levels (control,100, 200, 300 and 400 mM NaCl) with four replications in completely randomized design with factorial arrangement. After eight weeks of transplantation, the plants were harvested and data for shoot and root length and their fresh and dry weights were recorded. Na+, K+ and Cl-concentration of both root and shoot was determined. All the growth parameters of both species declined significantly in response to salinity. Acacia ampliceps was more salt tolerant than Acacia nilotica with better growth owing to higher K+: Na+ ratio in plant tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a major problem of agriculture in Pakistan. Permanent solution of salinity problem is removal of salts by leaching and drainage whic is expensive. So research efforts should involve profitable utilization of these lands through biological approaches. Considering these observations, this study was designed with the objectives to explore changes in growth and physiological attributes of different sunflower genotypes under interactive effect of salinity and boron. Vigorous seeds of selected genotypes (two tolerant, two sensitive) were sown in gravels. One week old seedlings were transplanted to ½ strength Hoagland's nutrients solution. Three days after transplantation the requisite salinity (control and 100 mM NaCl) and boron levels (0.05 mM B, 0.5 mM B and 1.0 mM B as H₃BO₃) were established in three installments. The arrangement of the experiment was split plot with three replications. The data regarding shoot and root fresh weights, relative water contents (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), and leaf area (LA) were recorded. The results revealed that salinity and boron adversely affected the growth and physiology of sunflower genotypes with a higher effect in the case of combined stress. This study also showed that the growth reduction was more in the salt susceptible genotypes (Hysun-33, Hysun-38) than in the salt tolerant genotypes (SF-187, S-278). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid and its widespread contamination in agricultural soils along with soil salinization has become a serious concern for human health and food security. In the present study, the effect of cotton shell biochar (CSBC) in decreasing As-induced phytotoxicity and human health risks in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) grown on As-spiked saline and non-saline soils was evaluated. Quinoa plants were grown on As contaminated (0, 15 and 30 mg kg−1) saline and non-saline soils amended with 0, 1 and 2% CSBC. Results showed that plant growth, grain yield, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll contents of quinoa showed more decline on As contaminated saline soil than non-saline soil. The application of 2% CSBC particularly enhanced plant growth, leaf relative water contents, stomatal conductance, pigment contents and limited the uptake of As and Na as compared to soil without CSBC. Salinity in combination with As trigged the production of H 2 O 2 and caused lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. Biochar ameliorated the oxidative stress by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT). Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human health risks were greatly decreased in the presence of biochar. Application of 2% CSBC showed promising results in reducing human health risks and As toxicity in quinoa grown on As contaminated non-saline and saline soils. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of biochar in minimizing As accumulation in other crops on normal as well as salt affected soils under field conditions. [Display omitted] • Role of cotton shell biochar (CSBC) in reducing As toxicity in quinoa was explored. • Grain yield and physiological attributes severely declined in the absence of CSBC. • 2% CSBC enhanced plant growth, grain yield and limited the uptake of As and Na. • CSBC ameliorated the oxidative stress via overexpression of antioxidant enzymes. • CSBC reduced the human health risks due to consumption of As contaminated grains. Application of 2% CSBC showed promising results in reducing human health risks and As toxicity in quinoa grown on As contaminated normal and saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity and drought stress, singly or in combination, are major environmental menaces. Jatropha curcas L. is a biodiesel plant that can tolerate long periods of drought. However, the growth performance and stress tolerance based on physical, chemical, and physiological attributes of this plant have not yet been studied. To address this question, J. curcas seedlings were grown in a completely randomized design in plastic pots filled with soil to evaluate the effects of salinity and drought stresses on growth, ionic composition, and physiological attributes. The experiment consisted of six treatments: control (without salinity and drought stress), salinity alone (7.5 dS m−1, 15 dS m−1), drought, and a combination of salinity and drought (7.5 dS m−1+ Drought, 15 dS m−1+Drought). Our results revealed that, compared with the control, both plant height (PH) and stem diameter (SD) were reduced by (83%, 80%, and 77%) and (69%, 56%, and 55%) under salinity and drought combination (15 dS m−1+Drought) after three, six, and nine months, respectively. There was 93% more leaf Na+ found in plants treated with 15 dS m−1+Drought compared with the control. The highest significant average membrane stability index (MSI) and relative water content (RWC) values (81% and 85%, respectively) were found in the control. The MSI and RWC were not influenced by 7.5 dS m−1 and drought treatments and mostly contributed towards stress tolerance. Our findings imply that J. curcas is moderately tolerant to salinity and drought. The Na+ toxicity and disturbance in K+: Na+ ratio were the main contributing factors for limited growth and physiological attributes in this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salt concentrations in the growing medium can severely affect the growth and development of plants. It is imperative to understand the different components of salt-tolerant network in plants in order to produce the salt-tolerant cultivars. High-affinity potassium transporter- and myelocytomatosis proteins have been shown to play a critical role for salinity tolerance through exclusion of sodium (Na+) ions from sensitive shoot tissues in plants. Numerous genes, that limit the uptake of salts from soil and their transport throughout the plant body, adjust the ionic and osmotic balance of cells in roots and shoots. In the present review, we have tried to provide a comprehensive report of major research advances on different mechanisms regulating plant tolerance to salinity stress at proteomics, metabolomics, genomics and transcriptomics levels. Along with the role of ionic homeostasis, a major focus was given on other salinity tolerance mechanisms in plants including osmoregulation and osmo-protection, cell wall remodeling and integrity, and plant antioxidative defense. Major proteins and genes expressed under salt-stressed conditions and their role in enhancing salinity tolerance in plants are discussed as well. Moreover, this manuscript identifies and highlights the key questions on plant salinity tolerance that remain to be discussed in the future. • Advances in proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics approaches have explored plant salt-tolerance mechanisms. • The Na+/K+ homeostasis is crucial for the survival of plants under salt stress conditions. • Various transporters including SOS, HKTs, and NHXs are involved in Na+/K+ homeostasis. • Plant salt tolerance is also governed by osmo-protection, cell wall integrity, and plant antioxidative defense. • Tolerance can be engineered by integration of these traits with novel genetic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]