[Advances in molecular mechanisms and genetic improvement of saline-alkali tolerance in rice]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is among the most vital cereal crops in China, and its yield has a direct bearing on national food security. Saline-alkali combined stress significantly negatively impacts the growth and development of rice, leading to reductions in key yield components such as the number of effective panicles, 1 000-grain weight, and milled rice rate. With the increasing proportion of saline-alkaline land and continual reduction of arable land, rice cultivation and production face severe challenges. As China ranks third globally in saline-alkali soil distribution, enhancing the saline-alkali tolerance of rice and ameliorating saline-alkaline land hold significant importance for ensuring national food security. Significant advances have been achieved in the research on saline-alkali tolerance of rice in recent years, this review synthesizes molecular mechanisms underlying the saline-alkali tolerance of rice, encompassing osmoregulation, plant hormonal regulation, reactive oxygen species scavenging, photosynthesis, and stomatal regulation. Concurrently, we examine genetic enhancement approaches for saline-alkali tolerance in rice and discuss persistent challenges and future research trajectories. This work aims to advance both fundamental research and practical applications of saline-alkali tolerant rice.