The paper discusses the role of salicylic acid (SA) in enhancing plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses, including metals/metalloids, salinity, ozone, UV-B radiation, extreme temperatures, and drought. SA is a key phytohormone that regulates numerous physiological and molecular processes in plants, thereby improving their resistance to these stresses. The authors review the historical background and biosynthesis of SA, its role in abiotic stress tolerance, and the underlying mechanisms. They highlight the interaction of SA with osmolytes, mineral nutrients, secondary metabolites, and other phytohormones, as well as its involvement in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and antioxidant metabolism. The paper also explores the potential mechanisms by which SA enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as the induction of stress proteins, the regulation of gene expression, and the modulation of cellular redox state. Finally, the authors discuss unexplored aspects of SA's role in plant stress tolerance, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand its mechanisms.The paper discusses the role of salicylic acid (SA) in enhancing plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses, including metals/metalloids, salinity, ozone, UV-B radiation, extreme temperatures, and drought. SA is a key phytohormone that regulates numerous physiological and molecular processes in plants, thereby improving their resistance to these stresses. The authors review the historical background and biosynthesis of SA, its role in abiotic stress tolerance, and the underlying mechanisms. They highlight the interaction of SA with osmolytes, mineral nutrients, secondary metabolites, and other phytohormones, as well as its involvement in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and antioxidant metabolism. The paper also explores the potential mechanisms by which SA enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as the induction of stress proteins, the regulation of gene expression, and the modulation of cellular redox state. Finally, the authors discuss unexplored aspects of SA's role in plant stress tolerance, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand its mechanisms.