Impact of Salt Stress on Cotton

Abstract

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress that affects plant growth and development at various stages of the plant's life cycle. The impact of salt stress on seedling, vegetative and reproductive stages can vary depending on the salt concentration, duration of exposure, and plant species. In general, salt stress can lead to reduced germination, growth inhibition, and decreased yield and quality of crops. At the physiological level, salt stress can cause osmotic and ionic stress, leading to water imbalance and nutrient deficiency. This can result in reduced photosynthesis, stomatal closure, and reduced transpiration rates. Plants exposed to salt stress may also accumulate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. In response to salt stress, plants activate various defense mechanisms such as osmo-protectants, antioxidants, and signaling pathways to mitigate the damage caused by ROS. Salt stress can also affect the fiber quality traits of crops. Studies have shown that cotton plants exposed to salt stress produce shorter and weaker fibers, leading to reduced yield and quality of cotton fiber. In conclusion, salt stress has a significant impact on various aspects of plant growth and development, including seedling, vegetative, and reproductive stages, as well as physiological and fiber quality traits. Understanding the mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in plants can help develop strategies to improve crop productivity and sustainability in saline environments.

Zinc and Silicon Nano-Fertilizers Influence Ionomic and Metabolite Profiles in Maize to Overcome Salt Stress

“…The soil salinity is further exacerbated by climate change and droughts around the globe, including Pakistan, where increased soil evaporation rates, altered precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels have been observed, leading to secondary salinization [4]. The physiological and molecular responses of plants to salinity stress, including ion imbalance, osmotic stress, and oxidative damage, require in-depth exploration to enhance crop resilience in saline environments [5].…”