University of East Anglia researchers have helped uncover a hidden ally in the fight against one of agriculture’s greatest threats - salty soil. The new study shows how naturally occurring soil bacteria can dramatically boost plants’ ability to survive in salty conditions. The findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes help plants – including maize, tomato and rapeseed - survive in harsh environments. It is hoped that the breakthrough could herald a new era of climate-resilient agriculture.