Marsawiya okra productivity under saline conditions: Optimization approaches

Salinity is a major environmental stress limiting the productivity of many crops, including okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a plant of nutritional and medicinal interest. Understanding and developing strategies to mitigate the effects of salinity is essential to ensure the stability of agricultural production systems. This study examines the effect of exogenous application of salicylic acid and silicon on the growth and physiological performance of salt-stressed okra. Results indicate that these treatments improve plant tolerance by enhancing growth, water status, photosynthesis and water use efficiency. Salicylic acid appears particularly effective in stimulating overall growth and physiological activity, while silicon contributes primarily to water regulation and improved water use efficiency. This study suggests that salicylic acid and silicon represent promising approaches for optimizing okra productivity under salinity conditions.