Responses of Puccinellia distans to salinity stress: stress tolerance mechanisms and ecosystem restoration potential

P. distans demonstrates strong adaptability to salinity at levels of 150-200 mM NaCl through enhanced photosynthetic pigments content, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant activity. However, extreme salinity imposes significant physiological and biochemical constraints. These findings highlight the species' potential for ecological restoration in saline environments and offer valuable insights into halophyte-based strategies for improving plant performance under salt stress. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular pathways governing ion transport, osmolyte biosynthesis, and oxidative stress regulation to enhance the species' resilience. Integrating Puccinellia distans into land management practices provides a sustainable approach to enhancing soil stability, productivity, and biodiversity in saline environments.