Progress in Plant Salinity Resistance Research: Need for an Integrative Paradigm

Abstract

SUMMARY Population pressure, shortage of good arable land and good quality waters are forcing crop production into more marginal environments facing abiotic stresses (drought and salinity) and thereby limiting the adaptation and productivity of staple food crops. The situation is assuming serious proportion, as almost half of the existing irrigation system of the world is under the influence of secondary salinity, sodicity or waterlogging. Therefore, to maintain productivity of existing arable land, the sustainability of the agricultural and irrigation systems that has been generated at a huge cost, is more important than immediate increases in yield. Much work done in the last century in several countries has increased our understanding of the genetics and physiology of salt tolerance of plants. Crop responses to salt stress are made up of a number of complex and interrelated, morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. However, we still do not have a complete understanding of the underlying...