SALT STRESS IN RICE (Oryza sativa L). THE ROLE OF OLIGOGALACTURONIDS AS PLANT PROTECTORS

Soil salinity is one of the main constraints affecting rice production worldwide. This stress is expected to intensify due to climate change that is occurring globally. Rice is one of the most important cereals and it feeds more than 50 % of the world population. To meet the demand of the increasing population, rice production must be continuously improved and for this, one of the strategies to reduce the damage caused by salinity is the use of bioactive products that are friendly to the environment. This review compiles updated information on the effects that salinity stress causes on rice plants, emphasizing its influence on the root system of these plants, taking into account the multiple functions that roots perform. In addition, the potential of oligogalacturonids as possible protectors of plants against salinity stress is discussed. These compounds, obtained from fruit peel pectin, have shown their stimulating effects on rooting, growth and differentiation of various plant species.