Technology to enhance salt stress tolerance in halophytes using new derivatives

Halophytes have innate tolerance to saline habitats, but their growth under harsh environmental conditions, such as drought and high salinity, is restricted. This study reports an environmentally friendly and novel strategy to improve abiotic stress tolerance in halophytes by using hydrogel together with 2-methylquinazolin-4-one derivatives. Hydrogels are used as soil conditioners that enhance water and nutrient retention, whereas 2-methylquinazolin-4-one compounds are potential plant growth regulators with antioxidant capacity. To this end, selected halophyte species will be treated with different concentrations of hydrogel-quinazolin-4-one complexes and subjected to controlled salinity and drought stress in the lab. Physiological and biochemical characters, such as RWC, chlorophyll, enzymatic antioxidants, and stress markers (proline and MDA), were examined to quantify the plant response. The initial results demonstrate significant increases in plant resistance, plant growth, and biomass. This study provides a potential green strategy to enhance crop production on saline and arid lands, which is environmentally friendly and conducive to sustainable agricultural development and land restoration.

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