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Ikebudu VC, Nkuna M, Ndou N, Ajayi RF, Chivasa S, Cornish K, Mulaudzi T. Carbon Monoxide Alleviates Salt-Induced Oxidative Damage in Sorghum bicolor by Inducing the Expression of Proline Biosynthesis and Antioxidant Genes. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:782. [PMID: 38592836 PMCID: PMC10974450 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Crop growth and yield are affected by salinity, which causes oxidative damage to plant cells. Plants respond to salinity by maintaining cellular osmotic balance, regulating ion transport, and enhancing the expression of stress-responsive genes, thereby inducing tolerance. As a byproduct of heme oxygenase (HO)-mediated degradation of heme, carbon monoxide (CO) regulates plant responses to salinity. This study investigated a CO-mediated salt stress tolerance mechanism in sorghum seedlings during germination. Sorghum seeds were germinated in the presence of 250 mM NaCl only, or in combination with a CO donor (1 and 1.5 μM hematin), HO inhibitor (5 and 10 μM zinc protoporphyrin IX; ZnPPIX), and hemoglobin (0.1 g/L Hb). Salt stress decreased the germination index (47.73%) and root length (74.31%), while hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (193.5%), and proline (475%) contents increased. This increase correlated with induced HO (137.68%) activity and transcripts of ion-exchanger and antioxidant genes. Salt stress modified vascular bundle structure, increased metaxylem pit size (42.2%) and the Na+/K+ ratio (2.06) and altered primary and secondary metabolites. However, exogenous CO (1 μM hematin) increased the germination index (63.01%) and root length (150.59%), while H2O2 (21.94%) content decreased under salt stress. Carbon monoxide further increased proline (147.62%), restored the vascular bundle structure, decreased the metaxylem pit size (31.2%) and Na+/K+ ratio (1.46), and attenuated changes observed on primary and secondary metabolites under salt stress. Carbon monoxide increased HO activity (30.49%), protein content, and antioxidant gene transcripts. The alleviatory role of CO was abolished by Hb, whereas HO activity was slightly inhibited by ZnPPIX under salt stress. These results suggest that CO elicited salt stress tolerance by reducing oxidative damage through osmotic adjustment and by regulating the expression of HO1 and the ion exchanger and antioxidant transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Chigozie Ikebudu
- Life Sciences Building, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (V.C.I.); (M.N.); (N.N.)
| | - Mulisa Nkuna
- Life Sciences Building, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (V.C.I.); (M.N.); (N.N.)
| | - Nzumbululo Ndou
- Life Sciences Building, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (V.C.I.); (M.N.); (N.N.)
- SensorLab, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Rachel Fanelwa Ajayi
- SensorLab, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Stephen Chivasa
- Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;
| | - Katrina Cornish
- Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691-4096, USA;
- Department of Food, Agriculture and Biological Engineering, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, The Ohio State University, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691-4096, USA
| | - Takalani Mulaudzi
- Life Sciences Building, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; (V.C.I.); (M.N.); (N.N.)
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Cavusoglu E, Sari U, Tiryaki I. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of Na+/ H+antiporter ( NHX) genes in tomato under salt stress. PLANT DIRECT 2023; 7:e543. [PMID: 37965196 PMCID: PMC10641485 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant Na +/H + antiporter (NHX) genes enhance salt tolerance by preventing excessive Na+ accumulation in the cytosol through partitioning of Na+ ions into vacuoles or extracellular transport across the plasma membrane. However, there is limited detailed information regarding the salt stress responsive SlNHXs in the most recent tomato genome. We investigated the role of this gene family's expression patterns in the open flower tissues under salt shock in Solanum lycopersicum using a genome-wide approach. A total of seven putative SlNHX genes located on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, and 10 were identified, but no ortholog of the NHX5 gene was identified in the tomato genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are divided into three different groups. SlNHX proteins with 10-12 transmembrane domains were hypothetically localized in vacuoles or cell membranes. Promoter analysis revealed that SlNHX6 and SlNHX8 are involved with the stress-related MeJA hormone in response to salt stress signaling. The structural motif analysis of SlNHX1, -2, -3, -4, and -6 proteins showed that they have highly conserved amiloride binding sites. The protein-protein network revealed that SlNHX7 and SlNHX8 interact physically with Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway proteins. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the SlNHX2 and SlNHX6 genes were substantially expressed in the open flower tissues. Moreover, quantitative PCR analysis indicated that all SlNHX genes, particularly SlNHX6 and SlNHX8, are significantly upregulated by salt shock in the open flower tissues. Our results provide an updated framework for future genetic research and development of breeding strategies against salt stress in the tomato.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Cavusoglu
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of AgricultureCanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu CampusCanakkaleTurkey
| | - Ugur Sari
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of AgricultureCanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu CampusCanakkaleTurkey
| | - Iskender Tiryaki
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of AgricultureCanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu CampusCanakkaleTurkey
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Senousy HH, Hamoud YA, Abu-Elsaoud AM, Mahmoud Al zoubi O, Abdelbaky NF, Zia-ur-Rehman M, Usman M, Soliman MH. Algal Bio-Stimulants Enhance Salt Tolerance in Common Bean: Dissecting Morphological, Physiological, and Genetic Mechanisms for Stress Adaptation. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3714. [PMID: 37960071 PMCID: PMC10648064 DOI: 10.3390/plants12213714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Salinity adversely affects the plant's morphological characteristics, but the utilization of aqueous algal extracts (AE) ameliorates this negative impact. In this study, the application of AE derived from Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina strains effectively reversed the decline in biomass allocation and water relations, both in normal and salt-stressed conditions. The simultaneous application of both extracts in salt-affected soil notably enhanced key parameters, such as chlorophyll content (15%), carotene content (1%), photosynthesis (25%), stomatal conductance (7%), and transpiration rate (23%), surpassing those observed in the application of both AE in salt-affected as compared to salinity stress control. Moreover, the AE treatments effectively mitigated lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage induced by salinity stress. The application of AE led to an increase in GB (6%) and the total concentration of free amino acids (47%) by comparing with salt-affected control. Additionally, salinity stress resulted in an elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione reductase. Notably, the AE treatments significantly boosted the activity of these antioxidant enzymes under salinity conditions. Furthermore, salinity reduced mineral contents, but the application of AE effectively counteracted this decline, leading to increased mineral levels. In conclusion, the application of aqueous algal extracts, specifically those obtained from Chlorella vulgaris and Dunaliella salina strains, demonstrated significant efficacy in alleviating salinity-induced stress in Phaseolus vulgaris plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda H. Senousy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; (H.H.S.)
| | - Yousef Alhaj Hamoud
- College of Hydrology and Water Recourses, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Omar Mahmoud Al zoubi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science Yanbu, Taibah University, Yanbu El-Bahr 46423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nessreen F. Abdelbaky
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Sharm, Yanbu El-Bahr, Yanbu 46429, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Mona H. Soliman
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; (H.H.S.)
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Sharm, Yanbu El-Bahr, Yanbu 46429, Saudi Arabia
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Esmailpourmoghadam E, Salehi H, Moshtaghi N. Differential Gene Expression Responses to Salt and Drought Stress in Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00888-8. [PMID: 37742296 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00888-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding gene expression kinetics and the underlying physiological mechanisms in stress combinations is a challenge for the purpose of stress resistance breeding. The novelty of this study is correlating the physiological mechanisms with the expression of key target genes in tall fescue under a combination of various salinity and osmotic stress treatments. Four drought- and salt-responsive genes belonging to different crucial pathways evaluated included one transcription factor FabZIP69, one for the cytosolic polyamine synthetase FaADC1, one for ABA signaling FaCYP707A1, and another one for the specific Na+/H+ plasma membrane antiporter FaSOS1 involve in osmotic homeostasis. FaSOS1, FaCYP707A1, and FabZIP69 were induced early at 6 h after NaCl treatment, while FaSOS1 and FaCYP707A1 were transcribed gradually after exposure to PEG. However, stress interactions showed a significantly increased expression in all genes. Expression of these genes was positively correlated to Pro, SSs, IL, DPPH, and antioxidant enzyme activity and negatively correlated with RWC, total Chl, and MSI. Chemical analyses showed that tall fescue plants exposed to the combination of stresses exhibited increased quantity of reactive oxygen species (H2O2), EL and DPPH, and higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, and SOD), Pro, and SSs content, compared with control seedlings. Under dual-stress conditions, the expression of FabZIP69 was effective in controlling the expression of FaSOS1 and FaADC1 genes differently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hassan Salehi
- Department of Horticultural Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nasrin Moshtaghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Plant Breeding, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Laksana C, Sophiphun O, Chanprame S. In vitro and in vivo screening for the identification of salt-tolerant sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.) clones: molecular, biochemical, and physiological responses to salt stress. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103655. [PMID: 37213693 PMCID: PMC10193298 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sugarcane is a glycophyte whose growth and yield can be negatively affected by salt stress. As the arable lands with potential saline soils expand annually, the increase of salt-tolerance in sugarcane cultivars is highly desired. We, herein, employed in vitro and in vivo conditions in order to screen sugarcane plants for salt tolerance at the cellular and at the whole plant levels. Calli of sugarcane cv. Khon Kaen 3 (KK3) were selected after culturing in selective media containing various NaCl concentrations, and regenerated plants were then reselected after culturing in selective media containing higher NaCl concentrations. The surviving plants were finally selected after an exposure to 254 mM NaCl under greenhouse conditions. A total of 11 sugarcane plants survived the selection process. Four plants that exhibited tolerance to the four different salt concentrations applied during the aforementioned screening process were then selected for the undertaking of further molecular, biochemical, and physiological studies. The construction of a dendrogram has revealed that the most salt-tolerant plant was characterized by the lowest genetic similarity to the original cultivar. The relative expression levels of six genes (i.e., SoDREB, SoNHX1, SoSOS1, SoHKT, SoBADH, and SoMIPS) were found to be significantly higher in the salt-tolerance clones than those measured in the original plant. The measured proline levels, the glycine betaine content, the relative water content, the SPAD unit, the contents of chlorophyll a and b, as well as the K+/Na+ ratios of the salt-tolerant clones were also found to be significantly higher than those of the original plant.When the salt-tolerant clones were grown in a low saline soil, they exhibited a higher Brix percentage than that of the original cultivar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakan Laksana
- Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Burapha University Sakaeo Campus, Sakaeo 27160, Thailand
| | - Onsulang Sophiphun
- Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Burapha University Sakaeo Campus, Sakaeo 27160, Thailand
| | - Sontichai Chanprame
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, 73140,Thailand
- Corresponding author.
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Zhao Z, Zheng H, Wang M, Guo Y, Wang Y, Zheng C, Tao Y, Sun X, Qian D, Cao G, Zhu M, Liang M, Wang M, Gong Y, Li B, Wang J, Sun Y. Reshifting Na + from Shoots into Long Roots Is Associated with Salt Tolerance in Two Contrasting Inbred Maize ( Zea mays L.) Lines. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1952. [PMID: 37653869 PMCID: PMC10220590 DOI: 10.3390/plants12101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Maize, as a glycophyte, is hypersensitive to salinity, but the salt response mechanism of maize remains unclear. In this study, the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of two contrasting inbred lines, the salt-tolerant QXH0121 and salt-sensitive QXN233 lines, were investigated in response to salt stress. Under salt stress, the tolerant QXH0121 line exhibited good performance, while in the sensitive QXN233 line, there were negative effects on the growth of the leaves and roots. The most important finding was that QXH0121 could reshift Na+ from shoots into long roots, migrate excess Na+ in shoots to alleviate salt damage to shoots, and also improve K+ retention in shoots, which were closely associated with the enhanced expression levels of ZmHAK1 and ZmNHX1 in QXH0121 compared to those in QXN233 under salt stress. Additionally, QXH0121 leaves accumulated more proline, soluble protein, and sugar contents and had higher SOD activity levels than those observed in QXN233, which correlated with the upregulation of ZmP5CR, ZmBADH, ZmTPS1, and ZmSOD4 in QXH0121 leaves. These were the main causes of the higher salt tolerance of QXH0121 in contrast to QXN233. These results broaden our knowledge about the underlying mechanism of salt tolerance in different maize varieties, providing novel insights into breeding maize with a high level of salt resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyang Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Hongxia Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Vegetation Ecology Restoration, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Minghao Wang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Yaning Guo
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Yingfei Wang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Chaoli Zheng
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Ye Tao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Dandan Qian
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Guanglong Cao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Mengqian Zhu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Mengting Liang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Mei Wang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Yan Gong
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Bingxiao Li
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jinye Wang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Yanling Sun
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266237, China; (Z.Z.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (Y.T.); (X.S.); (D.Q.); (G.C.); (M.Z.); (M.L.); (M.W.); (Y.G.); (B.L.); (J.W.)
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Jadidi O, Etminan A, Azizi-Nezhad R, Ebrahimi A, Pour-Aboughadareh A. Physiological and Molecular Responses of Barley Genotypes to Salinity Stress. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2040. [PMID: 36360277 PMCID: PMC9690512 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Among cereals, barley is tolerant to high levels of salinity stress; however, its performance and global production are still dramatically affected by salinity. In this study, we evaluated the behavior of a set of advanced genotypes of barley with aim of assessing the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in salinity tolerance. The experiment was conducted using a hydroponic system at optimal growing temperature and photoperiod conditions. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant effects for salinity treatments and genotypes in terms of all measured traits. Salinity stress significantly increased the root and shoot Na+ contents and root-to-shoot Na+ and K+ translocations. In contrast, other physiological features, gas exchange-related traits, as well as root and shoot biomasses were significantly decreased due to salinity stress. Based on the results of the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI) as a multiple-traits method, G12 and G14 were identified as the superior salt-tolerant advanced genotypes. In the molecular analysis, salinity stress significantly increased the mean relative expression of HvSOS1, HvSOS3, HvHKT2, HvHKT3, HvNHX1, and HvNHX3 genes by 12.87-, 3.16-, 3.65-, 2.54-, 2.19-, and 3.18-fold more than the control conditions, respectively. The results of heatmap-based correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear association pattern among measured traits and expression data. Indeed, these associations confirmed relationships between tolerance pathways and physiological functions. In conclusion, the genotype G14 (D10*2/4/Productive/3/Roho//Alger/Ceres362-1-1) responded well to salinity stress and showed a better expression pattern of studied genes than other genotypes. Hence, this promising genotype can be a candidate for further assessments before commercial introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Jadidi
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 14778-93855, Iran
| | - Alireza Etminan
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah 67187-73654, Iran
| | - Reza Azizi-Nezhad
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 14778-93855, Iran
| | - Asa Ebrahimi
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 14778-93855, Iran
| | - Alireza Pour-Aboughadareh
- Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj 31585-854, Iran
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