August 17, 2024 | Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis |
A study conducted by researchers from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and the National Research Centre for Banana, India, addressed the impact of soil salinity on tropical fruit crops. Salinity, a significant abiotic stress, limits the growth and productivity of many horticultural crops, most of which are glycophytes sensitive to high salt levels.
The study found that salinity negatively affects plant growth parameters, including shoot and root length, leaf count, biomass, and relative water content. Biochemical changes were also observed, such as reduced photosynthetic pigments and increased proline levels. Physiological disruptions included impaired water absorption, nutrient imbalances, shifts in ion concentrations and hormone levels, and heightened oxidative stress.
To counter these challenges, the study recommends various mitigation strategies, such as employing salt-tolerant rootstocks, applying growth regulators, and incorporating soil amendments. These approaches aim to enhance salt tolerance and sustain the productivity of tropical fruit crops under saline conditions.
The findings emphasize the need for an integrated approach, combining physiological insights and agronomic practices, to effectively mitigate salinity's adverse effects. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to develop sustainable solutions for salinity management in tropical horticulture.
