Transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties exhibit superior salt stress resilience: a comparative study of physiological and biochemical responses in transgenic and non-transgenic genotypes

Rice, the world’s most consumed staple food, faces significant yield loss due to salinity stress. This study explores the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of transgenic (Oryza sativa L. spp. Japonica, var. Nipponbare) and non-transgenic rice genotypes to salt stress during germination and growth stages. The aim was to enhance salt stress tolerance in rice through genetic advancements. The study found that genes play a crucial role in improving salt and drought resistance in rice plants. Non-transgenic plants showed morphological changes in response to salt stress, while transgenic rice maintained higher levels of relative water content, membrane integrity, and chlorophyll content. Salt stress impacts physiological parameters such as rice yield, seedling growth, and germination. Results showed that transgenic line 7 (L7) exhibited a 37.9% higher germination rate and double the seedling salt recovery percentage compared to Nipponbare after 150 mM NaCl stress for 24 h and recovery for a week. Compared to non-transgenic rice, transgenic rice exhibits greater resistance to salt stress due to increased expression of genes such as AP59, AP37, and DREB1A. This can result in higher crop yields under stressful conditions because of the increased production of stress-activated transcription factors. The study also showed that transgenic rice’s deep, fruitful root systems promote development when exposed to salt stress. The study reveals that genetic engineering can enhance rice varieties’ resistance to drought and salt, thereby promoting biotechnological advancement and agricultural sustainability, emphasizing the significance of genetic engineering in rice variety development.