Fundamental response and salinity tolerance in Brassicaceae Plants

This review comprehensively explores the response of Brassica sp. to saline conditions and its implications for sustainable agriculture. The detrimental effects of soil salinity on agricultural land are significant, resulting in substantial economic losses and diminished crop yields. Within this context, salinity disrupts the normal growth and development of Brassica sp. impacting crucial physiological and biochemical processes, particularly photosynthesis and water use efficiency. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these responses is critical for developing effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices. Researchers have devoted considerable effort to studying salt-tolerant genotypes of Brassica sp, which exhibit improved resilience to saline environments. Through comprehensive investigations, they have elucidated the intricate molecular mechanisms responsible for conferring salt tolerance in these genotypes. These mechanisms involve the activation and/or regulation of specific salt-tolerant genes, playing a pivotal role in mitigating the harmful effects of salinity. In addition to molecular mechanisms, plants, including Brassica juncea, have evolved various morphological, physiological, and biochemical adaptations to cope with abiotic stresses like salinity. These adaptations include the deposition of organic compounds, the maintenance of ionic homeostasis, the scavenging of free radicals, and the induction of phytohormones. These complex responses collectively contribute to the plant's ability to tolerate and adapt to salinity, ultimately promoting its survival and productivity in challenging environments. By unravelling the intricacies of the response of Brassica sp. to saline conditions and understanding the underlying molecular and physiological processes, researchers and agricultural practitioners can develop targeted strategies to improve salt tolerance in this species and others facing similar challenges. Implementing these strategies can enhance long-term food production and ensure sustainable agricultural practices, even in the face of increasing global population and the adverse impacts of climate change.