One of the most damaging issues to cultivatable land is soil salinity. While salt stress influences plant growth and yields at low to moderate levels, severe salt stress is harmful to plant growth. Mineral shortages and toxicities frequently exacerbate the problem of salinity. The growth of many plants is quantitatively reduced by various levels of salt stress depending on the stage of development and duration of stress. Plants have developed various mechanisms to withstand salt stress. One of the key strategies is the utilization of microRNAs (miRNAs) that can influence gene regulation at the post-transcriptional stage under different environmental conditions, including salinity. Here, we have reviewed the miRNA-mediated adaptations of various plant species to salt stress and other abiotic variables. Moreover, salt responsive (SR)-miRNAs, their targets, and corresponding pathways have also been discussed. The review article concludes by suggesting that the utilization of miRNAs may be a vital strategy to generate salt tolerant crops ensuring food security in the future.
Keywords: abiotic stresses; arid environment; environmental constraints; genetic regulations; salinity stress.