Adaptation of basil to salt stress

Summary of Adaptation of basil to salt stress: Molecular mechanism and physiological regulation:

Enhancing Basil’s Resistance to Salt Stress with Natural Solutions

Plants often face challenges like salt stress, which can interfere with their ability to absorb nutrients and grow properly. While scientists have identified many molecular and physiological processes involved in how plants respond to stress, the role of genetics makes things more complicated. Some plant varieties naturally handle stress better than others, and these genetic factors can sometimes overshadow other important influences.

In this study, researchers examined how three different types of basil—Dark Opal, Italiano Classico, and Purple Ruffles—responded to salt stress caused by exposure to 60 mM of sodium chloride (NaCl). The goal was to understand which natural traits help plants cope with salinity and how biostimulants can further enhance their resilience.

The results showed that basil plants with naturally higher levels of osmolytes (compounds that help retain water) and antioxidants adapted better to the salty environment. Among the three varieties, Purple Ruffles was the most resistant, thanks to its already active antioxidant system and stable nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Unlike the other two varieties, it did not suffer from the toxic effects of salt. In contrast, Italiano Classico and Dark Opal experienced significant yield losses, with fresh yield reductions of 46.34% and 33.33%, respectively.

However, when biostimulants were applied—either protein hydrolysate alone or combined with a leaf liquid integrator—all three basil varieties showed improved growth, even under salt stress. The treatments activated the plants’ secondary metabolism, leading to higher fresh yields regardless of salt exposure.

Understanding these key plant traits is essential for developing more resilient basil varieties through breeding programs and for applying natural biostimulants that help plants thrive under challenging conditions. This research highlights the potential of eco-friendly solutions to improve crop growth in saline environments.