Differential expression of salt overly sensitive pathway genes determines salinity stress tolerance in Brassica genotypes

► Role of SOS pathway in salinity tolerance was examined in Brassica juncea. ► Cultivars CS 52 and CS 54 showed fewer declines in K and K/Na ratio. ► Na+ accumulation was highest in Varuna and T 9 (B. campestris). ► CS 52 and CS 54 also showed greater expressions of genes of SOS pathway. ► An efficient SOS pathway thus results in high K/Na ratio and salinity tolerance.