Salicylic Acid Mitigates Arsenic Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa) via Modulation of Nitrogen-Sulfur Assimilation, Ethylene Biosynthesis, and Defense Systems

During climate change, various unparalleled perils to agricultural systems have been observed worldwide. The detrimental impacts of heavy metal toxicity (HMs) lead to a considerable decrease in crop productivity and yield, thereby putting the agricultural system at risk and exerting a significant impact on food production. This has sparked significant worry regarding the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) pertaining to ensuring food and nutritional security for the constantly growing global population. In the current study, we have endeavored to reveal the significance of salicylic acid (SA) under arsenic (As) stress conditions in rice (Oryza sativa) plants. Being a toxic metalloid, As has adverse effects on the efficiency of photosynthesis and the assimilation of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) growth, and also causes alterations in defense systems and ethylene biosynthesis. The study revealed that the positive influence of SA in promoting nutrient metabolism, photosynthesis and growth under As stress was the result of its interplay with ethylene biosynthesis and the enhanced capacity of defense systems to reduce oxidative stress-mediated cellular injuries and cell deaths. In conclusion, SA can be considered a crucial physiological criterion for the development of As-tolerant rice plants.