Salicylic acid, a natural substance found in plants, helps them survive tough conditions like extreme temperatures and high salinity. By increasing salicylic acid levels in cells, plants can better handle stress. Studies show that salicylic acid triggers the production of important proteins and chemicals in plants, like heat shock proteins, to protect them from harm. Scientists are still figuring out exactly how salicylic acid works in stressful situations, but they have made progress in understanding how it helps plants cope with tough conditions.