The integrated function of roots in plant salt tolerance

Soil salinization is one of the critical challenges facing global agriculture, seriously affecting crop growth and yields. As the primary organs for absorbing water and nutrients, plant roots play a pivotal role in responding to salt stress. In recent years, researchers have uncovered diverse functional mechanisms underlying root-mediated salt tolerance through multi-dimensional studies, such as gene regulation, physiological and biochemical mechanisms, and ecological adaptation. This article reviews the integrated functions of plant roots in salt tolerance from multiple perspectives, including root structure and function, physiological and biochemical responses of roots, root-shoot coordination, root perception and signal transduction of salt stress, rhizosphere microbial synergy, nutrient elements, and the application of phenotypic techniques. Such knowledge is expected to provide a theoretical foundation for breeding salt-tolerant crop varieties.