Aeluropus lagopoides: an important halophyte with key physiological and molecular mechanisms for salinity tolerance and a unique genetic resource for developing climate resilient crops.

Aeluropus lagopoides is salt secreting halophytic perennial grass that commonly grows in coastal regions. Under excessive saline conditions, A. lagopoides is able to thrive and completes its life cycle. It has developed various adaptive mechanisms to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. Aeluropus follow the novel mechanism of salt secretion by excreting Na⁺ from the leaf sheath and stem of the plant in the form of salt crystals. Various salt responsive genes and transcription factors have been studied under salinity stress in A. lagopoides. Economically important phytochemicals are also present in this plant, thus, making it industrially important. Utilization of salt stress responsive genes and transcription factors in developing salt tolerant transgenics crops can also provide significant benefits, and potentially boost the agricultural industry for sustainable growth and production.