Salt-accumulator species are of great interest for the phytoremediation of salt-affected soils to reclaim soil salinization, a major constraints causing germination retardation and growth restriction of plants as well as habitat degradation. Higher biomass production at ECe 23–36 dS m⁻¹ indicated that this species grows better in high to moderate salinity that was linked to osmotic adjustment through higher ion accumulation (Na⁺, Cl^‒, and Ca²⁺) and organic osmolytes (free amino acids and proline). Plants from highly and moderately saline habitats exhibited broader metaxylem vessels, which was associated with eased conduction of solutes leading to better growth. Leaf anatomical characteristics generally increased with increasing salinity except at the highest ECe 55 dS m⁻¹. The increased leaf lamina thickness contributed to succulence because of increased storage parenchymatous spongy tissues (that can store high amounts of water), water contents and it is a reflection of maintaining ion homeostasis and colonizing hyper-saline soil. Reduced stomatal density and area under high salinity are critical to cope with environmental hazards. Under high salinity, compartmentalization of excessive Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions and accumulation of compatible osmolytes are directly related to high degree of salinity tolerance, and hence are useful for phyto-amelioration of salinity-impacted lands. Salinity tolerance mechanism in Suaeda vera have been explored extensively, but these mechanisms have not been addressed in the context of soil-plant interaction and functioning connection between structural and functional features with respect to phytoremediation. This work aims to provide mechanistic insight into how different morphological and physio-anatomical mechanisms in differently adapted population of Suaeda vera operate in coordinated manner to maintain ionic homeostasis under high salinity that are useful for phytoremediation.

This study investigates fungal leaf spots of palm, an ever-present threat to the nursery and floriculture industry. Fungicides, plant hormones, and biological agents were used to consider their implications for Pestalotiopsis leaf spot disease management in palms. A survey of different locations in Pakistan’s Kasur and Faisalabad districts was conducted, collecting data on disease incidence of debilitating leaf spot disease in Roystonea regia (royal palm) and Ravenea rivularis (ravenea palm). Pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy seedlings using Pestalotiopsis sp. The results indicate that the fungicide Flumax with 86.11% growth inhibition of the pathogenic fungus and the biological agent Trichoderma asperellum with 76% growth inhibition have a significant impact in suppressing pathogen growth. Compared with the fungicide or salicylic acid (SA) application alone, the combined application of SA with 50% less fungicide (Flumax) in an integrated program significantly reduced disease severity to 5.9 and 6.2% in royal and ravenea palms, respectively. Our findings highlighted that integrated disease management (IDM) could be crucial in addressing Pestalotiopsis leaf spot disease. Adapting to IDM can improve the aesthetic value and profitability of palms by allowing a reduction in fungicide use while maintaining effective control of the disease.

Suaeda vera , a salt accumulating succulent halophyte that colonize hyper-saline soil, exhibit remarkable ecological success. This study highlights its adaptability and potential role in reclaiming soil salinity and habitat degradation. Nine populations of Suaeda vera from diverse habitats with varying salinity levels were investigated to assess their morpho-anatomical and physiological characteristics. Six plants from each population were analyzed. Growth parameters exhibited significant variability across habitats, with marked increases in root length observed in saline desert environments and enhanced shoot length in waterlogged areas. Populations from waterlogged habitats exhibited higher biomass and water content, linked to osmotic adjustment through higher ion (Na ⁺ , Cl ^- , Ca ²⁺ ) and organic osmolyte (amino acids, proline) accumulation. Succulence values were notably highest in populations from waterlogged and saline inundation areas. Sodium and chloride concentrations in roots and shoots escalated with increasing salinity, peaking in populations from saline desert environments. Potassium levels were influenced by salinity, with the highest concentrations of root K ⁺ found in the Thal-desert margin and the highest shoot K ⁺ in coarse sand desert populations. Chlorophyll content was highest in plants from waterlogged and desert habitats, while carotenoid levels peaked in desert populations. Enzymatic activity analysis revealed that catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were elevated in saline desert populations, whereas peroxidase activity was highest in waterlogged populations. Interestingly, salt stress had a minimal effect on root area, which increased in populations from saline inundations and the Cholistan desert margin. Cortical thickness decreased with higher salinity levels, particularly in dryland salinity populations, while metaxylem vessels were widest in both dryland salinity and saline desert populations. Notable anatomical variations, including succulence, phloem area, sclerenchyma tissue thickness, and stomatal density, were identified across the studied habitats. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the resilience and adaptability of Suaeda vera in diverse saline habitats, providing valuable insights for conservation and management strategies in these ecosystems.

Plants have evolved complex phytochemical and immune defense mechanisms in response to pathogen invasion. Plants deploy phytochemical defense system—signaling molecules, secondary metabolites, antimicrobial proteins and peptides—to mitigate the pathogens they encounter. Pathogens have developed strategies—effector proteins, efflux pumps and detoxification mechanisms—to manipulate or overcome plant defenses. This review offers insights into how these bioactive compounds are biosynthesized and activated following pathogen recognition. We provide an overview of the dynamic crosstalk between PTI and ETI and their role in optimizing plant defense. Additionally, we discuss the potential of advanced genetic engineering approaches, nanocarrier-mediated elicitor delivery, and microbiome engineering to enhance these natural defenses. Finally, we address the technical bottlenecks of engineering plant immunity and provide a roadmap for future research directions. This review provides a stronger mechanistic foundation for breeding crops with durable, broad-spectrum resilience for sustainable crop protection.