A REVIEW ON IMPROVEMENT OF SALT TOLERANCE IN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L) BY INCREASING ANTIOXIDANT DEFENCE SYSTEMS USING EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF PROLINE

Rice (Oryza sativa L) stands as a staple food crop globally particularly in the regions with warm climates. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges from abiotic stresses like salinity, which hinder crop growth and productivity. Salinity stress disrupts essential physiological processes, leading to reduced yields and compromised food security. In response to this pressing concern, this review investigates the potential of exogenous proline application to enhance salt tolerance in rice. The study delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying salinity stress in rice plants, highlighting its detrimental effects on growth, ion balance, and cellular metabolism. Salinity-induced oxidative stress, characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), exacerbates cellular damage, impairing plant growth and development. Proline, an amino acid known for its multifaceted roles in stress mitigation, emerges as a promising candidate for enhancing salt tolerance in rice. Exogenous application of proline demonstrates significant improvements in rice growth, yield and physiological attributes under saline conditions. The study elucidates the impact of exogenous proline on various aspects of rice physiology, including seed germination, water relations, and oxidative stress mitigation. By enhancing nutrient uptake, maintaining ion homeostasis, and fortifying antioxidant defences, proline offers a promising avenue for sustainable rice production in the face of escalating salinity stress. In conclusion, this study underscores the pivotal role of exogenous proline in augmenting salt tolerance in rice, offering insights into novel strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress on crop yields.