High salt levels hinder cucumber growth, threatening food supply.
The study looked at how salt stress affects the growth of cucumber seeds and seedlings. Seeds treated with low salt levels had normal germination rates, but higher salt levels hindered germination. As salt levels increased, the activity of enzymes and the growth of seedlings decreased. The roots were more affected by lower salt levels, while shoots were more affected by higher salt levels. The level of a certain enzyme decreased over time, while another increased. The amount of a harmful substance in the plants increased steadily with higher salt levels.