Effect of salt stress on growth performance and antioxidant status of local black rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Oryza sativa L. or black rice is a well-known source of carbohydrate for baby food and diet programs because of its high nutrient content, but it is rarely cultivated in Indonesia. We aimed to investigate how well the species tolerates salt stress and how salt affects its antioxidant status. Ion leakage from the root tissue was observed based on the salinity level of the growth medium to select salttolerant plants. The results show that this is a viable method for screening salttolerant rice. Our study results could promote the use of black rice to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer while ensuring sustainable cultivation of the local best rice species in the future, as well as improved economic return for farmers.