ABSTRACT
Salvadora persica L. is a small-sized salt-tolerant evergreen tree, growing in arid, semi-arid, and desert environments. All parts of S. persica, especially the stem and fruits, contain several biologically active compounds linked to the cosmetic, food and health sectors. The fruits are thought to be effective against snake bites and are also used to reduce inflammation and gastrointestinal problems. However, abiotic (drought, flooding, salinity, temperature, precipitation and heavy metals) and biotic (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) stressors are adverse agents negatively affecting the S. persica germination percentage, growth, development and quality of fruit production. These stresses primarily disturb the ionic balance and cause hyperosmotic stress which leads to molecular damage and the death of the plant. In light of these uses, effective policies must be created and put into action to safeguard the world’s non-renewable resources, with the diversity of halophytes accessible serving as a key source. Translation of this knowledge to other salt-sensitive crops will be aided by research into gene regulation and the harmony of individual stress tolerance mechanisms.
