Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 161-168 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 165 genes for stress tolerance, such as hormone signaling, antioxidant defense, and root development-related genes. These resources enable marker-assisted selection and accelerate breeding for stress-resistant varieties (Li et al., 2021; Sochacki and Vogt, 2022). 5.3 Potential of genetic engineering and genome editing technologies Genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and genetic engineering offer powerful means of targeted improvement of stress tolerance in S. mukorossi. Direct applications to the species remain to be developed, but availability of a high-quality genome and identification of genes relevant to stress response lay the foundation for future gene editing uses. These technologies hold the promise of being able to introduce or enhance traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrient use efficiency (Li et al., 2021; Attri, 2023). 5.4 Role of microbial symbiosis in enhancing stress tolerance The symbiotic association with mycorrhizal fungi and endophytes has been reported to enhance stress tolerance in woody crops such as S. mukorossi significantly. These stress-tolerant microorganisms improve nutrient uptake, induce root growth, and exhibit systemic resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. Introduction of microbial inoculants into the nursery stage is one of the possible ways for sustainable stress management, yet more studies on S. mukorossi must be conducted (Shi et al., 2022). 6 Studies on Cultivation Methods of S. mukorossi Seedlings 6.1 Rapid screening and selection techniques for stress-resistant seedlings Recent research emphasizes the importance of effective dormancy-breaking and pre-sowing treatments for maximum germination and early vigor, being critical in selection for vigorous, stress-resistant S. mukorossi seedlings. Sulfuric acid scarification (2 hours) and heat treatment have been found to play a crucial role in high germination percentages as well as seedling growth, providing a convenient means for rapid screening of high-vigor individuals for stressful conditions (Kheloufi et al., 2024). Seed size grouping and mechanical scarification even improve the effectiveness of selection by identifying seedlings with more potential for growth (Attri, 2023). 6.2 Construction and promotion of efficient seedling cultivation systems Successful cultivation systems for S. mukorossi integrate substrate improvement, rational fertilization, and enhanced propagation methods. NPK fertilizer application in balanced proportions not only increases yield but also improves soil fertility as well as leaf physiological properties, allowing for vigorous seedling development (Liu et al., 2024b). Grafting methods—such as cleft, side, and tongue grafting—on suitable rootstocks (e.g., Dodonaea viscosa) have been developed to enhance survival, shorten the juvenile phase, and develop resistance to stress, enabling mass production of high-quality seedlings on a large scale (Wen-Rong, 2007; Begum et al., 2019). Micropropagation and tissue culture techniques also seem to have potential for effective multiplication of superior genotypes. 6.3 Integration of stress-resistant seedling cultivation with ecological restoration and industrial applications Production of stress-resistant S. mukorossi seedlings increasingly combines ecological restoration and industrial uses. Improved seedling vigor and survival facilitate reforestation and soil stabilization, especially on degraded or marginal soils. Fruiting of the species with high saponin content has extensive use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and natural washing powders, directly relating the cultivation of seedlings to economic and ecological benefits. Improved transplanting and spacing are among the effective propagation and planting practices that also maximize restoration efficacy and industrial productivity (Chen et al., 2021; Kheloufi et al., 2024). 7 Linking Stress Tolerance Research with Practical Applications in Sapindus mukorossi 7.1 Bridging differences between greenhouse and field trials Translation from controlled greenhouse to field environments is required for practical application. Field studies in S. mukorossi have indicated that environmental factors such as soil fertility, water status, and climatic variation have significant roles to play in seedling performance and stress response, at times leading to contrasting results with the greenhouse experiments. For example, field-oriented rational fertilization practices (e.g., specific NPK
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