Exploring Candidate Genes and Regulatory Mechanisms for Salt-Alkali Tolerance in Cucumber

Soil salinization is one of the main problems faced by modern agricultural production, especially cucumber production. This study screened the salt-alkali-tolerant cultivar 'D1909' and the salt-alkali-sensitive cultivar 'D1604' from 32 different cucumber ecological types on the basis of morphological indicators and salt-alkali indices combined with relevant physiological and biochemical indices. By performing a transcriptome metabolome analysis, the key gene CsSRG1, which is responsive to salt-alkali stress in cucumber, was screened, and its function was verified. The role of CsSRG1 in reducing salt-alkali stress in cucumber was clarified, and the mechanism of salt-alkali tolerance in cucumber was preliminarily explored. This study provides germplasm resources for cucumber salt-alkali tolerance breeding and a theoretical basis for the effective use of saline alkali soil to achieve high quality and high yield in other crops.