Sahin, O., Gunes, A., Yagcıoglu, K.D. et al.Mitigating Combined Boron and Salt Stress in Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L. Semental) through Salicylic Acid-Modified Rice Husk BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-01903-w

A recent study by Ozge Sahin, Aydin Gunes, and Yusuf Kagan Kadioglu investigates the effectiveness of salicylic acid-modified rice husk biochar (SABC) in improving boron (B) and salinity tolerance in lettuce. The research aimed to explore how this biochar amendment could alleviate stress-induced challenges in plants.

The study employed Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy for detailed molecular and chemical analysis of the biochar. Lettuce plants were subjected to different treatments: a control group, a group exposed to 40 mM NaCl plus 20 mg B kg^-1 (NaCl + B), and a group treated with 40 mM NaCl plus 20 mg B kg^-1 and 5 g kg^-1 SABC (NaCl + B + SABC).

The results were promising. Under salt and boron toxicity conditions, SABC significantly prevented the stress-induced decrease in plant weight. The biochar treatment reduced the concentrations of boron, sodium, and chloride in the plants, while increasing the levels of beneficial elements like potassium and silicon. Additionally, the elevated hydrogen peroxide concentration due to toxicity was decreased with SABC. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) increased under stress but were reduced with the application of SABC.

This study concludes that SABC is effective in mitigating boron and salt stress in lettuce. Further testing of SABC in various plants and under different stress conditions could contribute significantly to understanding and managing plant stress.