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Liu Z, Xue W, Jiang Q, Olaniran AO, Zhong X. Low-cost and reliable substrate-based phenotyping platform for screening salt tolerance of cutting propagation-dependent grass, paspalum vaginatum. PLANT METHODS 2024; 20:94. [PMID: 38898477 PMCID: PMC11186238 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01225-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salt tolerance in plants is defined as their ability to grow and complete their life cycle under saline conditions. Staple crops have limited salt tolerance, but forage grass can survive in large unexploited saline areas of costal or desert land. However, due to the restriction of self-incompatible fertilization in many grass species, vegetative propagation via stem cuttings is the dominant practice; this is incompatible with current methodologies of salt-tolerance phenotyping, which have been developed for germination-based seedling growth. Therefore, the performance of seedlings from cuttings under salt stress is still fuzzy. Moreover, the morphological traits involved in salt tolerance are still mostly unknown, especially under experimental conditions with varying levels of stress. RESULTS To estimate the salt tolerance of cutting propagation-dependent grasses, a reliable and low-cost workflow was established with multiple saline treatments, using Paspalum vaginatum as the material and substrate as medium, where cold stratification and selection of stem segments were the two variables used to control for experimental errors. Average leaf number (ALN) was designated as the best criterion for evaluating ion-accumulated salt tolerance. The reliability of ALN was revealed by the consistent results among four P. vaginatum genotypes, and three warm-season (pearl millet, sweet sorghum, and wild maize) and four cold-season (barley, oat, rye, and ryegrass) forage cultivars. Dynamic curves simulated by sigmoidal mathematical models were well-depicted for the calculation of the key parameter, Salt50. The reliability of the integrated platform was further validated by screening 48 additional recombinants, which were previously generated from a self-fertile mutant of P. vaginatum. The genotypes displaying extreme ALN-based Salt50 also exhibited variations in biomass and ion content, which not only confirmed the reliability of our phenotyping platform but also the representativeness of the aerial ALN trait for salt tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Our phenotyping platform is proved to be compatible with estimations in both germination-based and cutting propagation-dependent seedling tolerance under salt stresses. ALN and its derived parameters are prone to overcome the species barriers when comparing salt tolerance of different species together. The accuracy and reliability of the developed phenotyping platform is expected to benefit breeding programs in saline agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Liu
- National Forage Breeding Innovation Base (JAAS), Nanjing, P. R. China
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory for Crop and Animal Integrated Farming of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, P. R. China
- College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Wentao Xue
- National Forage Breeding Innovation Base (JAAS), Nanjing, P. R. China
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory for Crop and Animal Integrated Farming of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Soil Improvement and Utilization (Coastal Saline-Alkali Lands), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Qijuan Jiang
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
- College of Agro-Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | | | - Xiaoxian Zhong
- National Forage Breeding Innovation Base (JAAS), Nanjing, P. R. China.
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory for Crop and Animal Integrated Farming of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Saline-Alkali Soil Improvement and Utilization (Coastal Saline-Alkali Lands), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, P.R. China.
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Valle-Romero P, Castellanos EM, Luque CJ, Flores-Duarte NJ, Romano-Rodríguez E, Redondo-Gómez S, Rodríguez-Llorente ID, Pajuelo E, Mateos-Naranjo E. Nitrate modulates the physiological tolerance responses of the halophytic species Sarcocornia fruticosa to copper excess. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 210:108569. [PMID: 38552261 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Coexistence impact of pollutants of different nature on halophytes tolerance to metal excess has not been thoroughly examined, and plant functional responses described so far do not follow a clear pattern. Using the Cu-tolerant halophyte Sarcocornia fruticosa as a model species, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to evaluate the impact of two concentration of copper (0 and 12 mM CuSO4) in combination with three nitrate levels (2, 14 and 50 mM KNO3) on plant growth, photosynthetic apparatus performance and ROS-scavenging enzymes system. The results revealed that S. fruticosa was able to grow adequately even when exposed to high concentrations of copper and nitrate. This response was linked to the plant capacity to uptake and retain a large amount of copper in its roots (up to 1500 mg kg-1 Cu), preventing its transport to aerial parts. This control of translocation was further magnified with nitrate concentration increment. Likewise, although Cu excess impaired S. fruticosa carbon assimilation capacity, the plant was able to downregulate its light-harvesting complexes function, as indicated its lowers ETR values, especially at 12 mM Cu + 50 mM NO3. This downregulation would contribute to avoid excess energy absorption and transformation. In addition, this strategy of avoiding excess energy was accompanied by the upregulation of all ROS-scavenging enzymes, a response that was further enhanced by the increase in nitrate concentration. Therefore, we conclude that the coexistence of nitrate would favor S. fruticosa tolerance to copper excess, and this effect is mediated by the combined activation of several tolerance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Valle-Romero
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eloy Manuel Castellanos
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Carlos J Luque
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Noris J Flores-Duarte
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Elena Romano-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Susana Redondo-Gómez
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ignacio D Rodríguez-Llorente
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eloísa Pajuelo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Enrique Mateos-Naranjo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 1095, 41080 Sevilla, Spain.
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Homayouni H, Razi H, Izadi M, Alemzadeh A, Kazemeini SA, Niazi A, Vicente O. Temporal Changes in Biochemical Responses to Salt Stress in Three Salicornia Species. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:979. [PMID: 38611508 PMCID: PMC11013812 DOI: 10.3390/plants13070979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Halophytes adapt to salinity using different biochemical response mechanisms. Temporal measurements of biochemical parameters over a period of exposure to salinity may clarify the patterns and kinetics of stress responses in halophytes. This study aimed to evaluate short-term temporal changes in shoot biomass and several biochemical variables, including the contents of photosynthetic pigments, ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine), oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and malondialdehyde), and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) activities of three halophytic Salicornia species (S. persica, S. europaea, and S. bigelovii) in response to non-saline, moderate (300 mM NaCl), and high (500 mM NaCl) salinity treatments at three sampling times. Salicornia plants showed maximum shoot biomass under moderate salinity conditions. The results indicated that high Na+ accumulation in the shoots, coupled with the relative retention of K+ and Ca2+ under salt stress conditions, contributed significantly to ionic and osmotic balance and salinity tolerance in the tested Salicornia species. Glycine betaine accumulation, both constitutive and salt-induced, also seems to play a crucial role in osmotic adjustment in Salicornia plants subjected to salinity treatments. Salicornia species possess an efficient antioxidant enzyme system that largely relies on the ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase activities to partly counteract salt-induced oxidative stress. The results also revealed that S. persica exhibited higher salinity tolerance than S. europaea and S. bigelovii, as shown by better plant growth under moderate and high salinity. This higher tolerance was associated with higher peroxidase activities and increased glycine betaine and proline accumulation in S. persica. Taking all the data together, this study allowed the identification of the biochemical mechanisms contributing significantly to salinity tolerance of Salicornia through the maintenance of ion and osmotic homeostasis and protection against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengameh Homayouni
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran; (H.H.); (M.I.); (A.A.); (S.A.K.)
| | - Hooman Razi
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran; (H.H.); (M.I.); (A.A.); (S.A.K.)
| | - Mahmoud Izadi
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran; (H.H.); (M.I.); (A.A.); (S.A.K.)
| | - Abbas Alemzadeh
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran; (H.H.); (M.I.); (A.A.); (S.A.K.)
| | - Seyed Abdolreza Kazemeini
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71946-84471, Iran; (H.H.); (M.I.); (A.A.); (S.A.K.)
| | - Ali Niazi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71468-64685, Iran;
| | - Oscar Vicente
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Zuzunaga-Rosas J, Calone R, Mircea DM, Shakya R, Ibáñez-Asensio S, Boscaiu M, Fita A, Moreno-Ramón H, Vicente O. Mitigation of salt stress in lettuce by a biostimulant that protects the root absorption zone and improves biochemical responses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1341714. [PMID: 38434431 PMCID: PMC10906269 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1341714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Horticultural crops constantly face abiotic stress factors such as salinity, which have intensified in recent years due to accelerated climate change, significantly affecting their yields and profitability. Under these conditions, it has become necessary to implement effective and sustainable solutions to guarantee agricultural productivity and food security. The influence of BALOX®, a biostimulant of plant origin, was tested on the responses to salinity of Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia plants exposed to salt concentrations up to 150 mM NaCl, evaluating different biometric and biochemical properties after 25 days of treatment. Control plants were cultivated under the same conditions but without the biostimulant treatment. An in situ analysis of root characteristics using a non-destructive, real-time method was also performed. The salt stress treatments inhibited plant growth, reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and increased the concentrations of Na+ and Cl- in roots and leaves while reducing those of Ca2+. BALOX® application had a positive effect because it stimulated plant growth and the level of Ca2+ and photosynthetic pigments. In addition, it reduced the content of Na+ and Cl- in the presence and the absence of salt. The biostimulant also reduced the salt-induced accumulation of stress biomarkers, such as proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Therefore, BALOX® appears to significantly reduce osmotic, ionic and oxidative stress levels in salt-treated plants. Furthermore, the analysis of the salt treatments' and the biostimulant's direct effects on roots indicated that BALOX®'s primary mechanism of action probably involves improving plant nutrition, even under severe salt stress conditions, by protecting and stimulating the root absorption zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Zuzunaga-Rosas
- Department of Plant Production, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- Innovak Global S. A. de C. V., La Concordia, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Roberta Calone
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Bologna, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana M. Mircea
- Department of Forestry, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rashmi Shakya
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Botany, Miranda House, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sara Ibáñez-Asensio
- Department of Plant Production, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Monica Boscaiu
- Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Fita
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Moreno-Ramón
- Department of Plant Production, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Oscar Vicente
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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Mircea DM, Ferrer-Gallego PP, Ferrando-Pardo I, Vicente O, Mir R, Boscaiu M. Salt Tolerance of Sea Flax ( Linum maritimum L.), a Rare Species with Conservation Interest in Eastern Spain. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:305. [PMID: 38276762 PMCID: PMC10821301 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Seldom found in saltmarshes, Linum maritimum is a halophyte of great conservation interest in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. Although the species has been reported in different plant communities, there is no information on its range of salinity tolerance or mechanisms of response to environmental stress factors. In this study, L. maritimum plants were subjected to increasing salt concentrations in controlled conditions in a greenhouse. After six months of watering with salt solutions, only plants from the control, 50 mM and 100 mM NaCl treatment groups survived, but seeds were produced only in the first two. Significant differences were found between the plants from the various treatment groups in terms of their growth parameters, such as plant height, fresh weight, and the quantity of flowers and fruits. The main mechanism of salt tolerance is probably related to the species' ability to activate K+ uptake and transport to shoots to partly counteract the accumulation of toxic Na+ ions. A biochemical analysis showed significant increases in glycine betaine, flavonoids and total phenolic compounds, highlighting the importance of osmotic regulation and antioxidant compounds in the salt tolerance of Linum maritimum. These findings have implications for the conservation of the species, especially under changing climatic conditions that may lead to increased soil salinity in its Mediterranean distribution area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Mircea
- Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - P. Pablo Ferrer-Gallego
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre y Natura 2000, Generalitat Valenciana, Avda Comarques del País Valencia, 114, Quart de Poblet, 46930 Valencia, Spain; (P.P.F.-G.); (I.F.-P.)
| | - Inmaculada Ferrando-Pardo
- Servicio de Vida Silvestre y Natura 2000, Generalitat Valenciana, Avda Comarques del País Valencia, 114, Quart de Poblet, 46930 Valencia, Spain; (P.P.F.-G.); (I.F.-P.)
| | - Oscar Vicente
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (O.V.); (R.M.)
| | - Ricardo Mir
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (O.V.); (R.M.)
| | - Monica Boscaiu
- Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
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Lian T, Cheng L, Liu Q, Yu T, Cai Z, Nian H, Hartmann M. Potential relevance between soybean nitrogen uptake and rhizosphere prokaryotic communities under waterlogging stress. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:71. [PMID: 37433864 PMCID: PMC10336055 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00282-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Waterlogging in soil can limit the availability of nitrogen to plants by promoting denitrification and reducing nitrogen fixation and nitrification. The root-associated microorganisms that determine nitrogen availability at the root-soil interface can be influenced by plant genotype and soil type, which potentially alters the nitrogen uptake capacity of plants in waterlogged soils. In a greenhouse experiment, two soybean genotypes with contrasting capacities to resist waterlogging stress were grown in Udic Argosol and Haplic Alisol soils with and without waterlogging, respectively. Using isotope labeling, high-throughput amplicon sequencing and qPCR, we show that waterlogging negatively affects soybean yield and nitrogen absorption from fertilizer, atmosphere, and soil. These effects were soil-dependent and more pronounced in the waterlogging-sensitive than tolerant genotype. The tolerant genotype harbored more ammonia oxidizers and less nitrous oxide reducers. Anaerobic, nitrogen-fixing, denitrifying and iron-reducing bacteria such as Geobacter/Geomonas, Sphingomonas, Candidatus Koribacter, and Desulfosporosinus were proportionally enriched in association with the tolerant genotype under waterlogging. These changes in the rhizosphere microbiome might ultimately help the plant to improve nitrogen uptake under waterlogged, anoxic conditions. This research contributes to a better understanding of the adaptability of soybean genotypes under waterlogging stress and might help to formulate fertilization strategies that improve nitrogen use efficiency of soybean. Schematic representation of the effects of waterlogging on nitrogen uptake and rhizosphere microbiota in dependence of soil type and soybean genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengxiang Lian
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lang Cheng
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Taobing Yu
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhandong Cai
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hai Nian
- The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Martin Hartmann
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Grigore MN, Vicente O. Wild Halophytes: Tools for Understanding Salt Tolerance Mechanisms of Plants and for Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12020221. [PMID: 36678935 PMCID: PMC9863273 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Halophytes, wild plants adapted to highly saline natural environments, represent extremely useful-and, at present, underutilised-experimental systems with which to investigate the mechanisms of salt tolerance in plants at the anatomical, physiological, biochemical and molecular levels. They can also provide biotechnological tools for the genetic improvement of salt tolerance in our conventional crops, such as salt tolerance genes or salt-induced promoters. Furthermore, halophytes may constitute the basis of sustainable 'saline agriculture' through commercial cultivation after some breeding to improve agronomic traits. All these issues are relevant in the present context of climate emergency, as soil salinity is-together with drought-the most critical environmental factor in reducing crop yield worldwide. In fact, climate change represents the most serious challenge for agricultural production and food security in the near future. Several of the topics mentioned above-mainly referring to basic studies on salt tolerance mechanisms-are addressed in the articles published within this Special Issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius-Nicușor Grigore
- Faculty of Medicine and Biological Sciences, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Str. Universității 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Oscar Vicente
- Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV, UPV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Calone R, Mircea DM, González-Orenga S, Boscaiu M, Zuzunaga-Rosas J, Barbanti L, Vicente O. Effect of Recurrent Salt and Drought Stress Treatments on the Endangered Halophyte Limonium angustebracteatum Erben. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:191. [PMID: 36616320 PMCID: PMC9823942 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Limonium angustebracteatum is an endemic halophyte from the Spanish Mediterranean coastal salt marshes. To investigate this species' ability to cope with recurrent drought and salt stress, one-year-old plants were subjected to two salt stress treatments (watering with 0.5 and 1 M NaCl solutions), one water stress treatment (complete irrigation withholding), or watered with non-saline water for the control, across three phases: first stress (30 days), recovery from both stresses (15 days), and second stress (15 days). Growth and biochemical parameters were determined after each period. The plants showed high salt tolerance but were sensitive to water deficit, as shown by the decrease in leaf fresh weight and water content, root water content, and photosynthetic pigments levels in response to the first water stress; then, they were restored to the respective control values upon recovery. Salt tolerance was partly based on the accumulation of Na+, Cl- and Ca2+ in the roots and predominantly in the leaves; ion levels also decreased to control values during recovery. Organic osmolytes (proline and total soluble sugars), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and H2O2), and antioxidant compounds (total phenolic compounds and flavonoids) increased by various degrees under the first salt and water stress treatments, and declined after recovery. The analysed variables increased again, but generally to a lesser extent, during the second stress phase, suggesting the occurrence of stress acclimation acquired by the activation of defence mechanisms during the first stress period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Calone
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, I-40128 Bologna, I-00184 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Diana-Maria Mircea
- Institute for Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sara González-Orenga
- Institute for Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Science, Universidad de Vigo, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Monica Boscaiu
- Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Zuzunaga-Rosas
- Institute for Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Barbanti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Oscar Vicente
- Institute for Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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Cultivation and characterisation of Salicornia europaea, Tripolium pannonicum and Crithmum maritimum biomass for green biorefinery applications. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20507. [PMID: 36443447 PMCID: PMC9705282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24865-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Salt-tolerant halophytes have shown potential for biorefinery and agricultural use in salt-affected soils, increasing the value of marginal lands. They could provide a bio-based source for compounds obtained from the petrochemical industry or an alternative for biomass currently imported overseas. Salicornia europaea, Tripolium pannonicum and Crithmum maritimum were cultivated in hydroponic systems under various salinity conditions, harvested green but not food-grade, and fractionated to green juice and fibre residue. Obtained fractions were characterised for contents of carbohydrates, Klason lignin, crude protein, organic acids, lipids, and minerals to evaluate the biomass' suitability for biorefinery. Significant differences were observed in the biomass yield and the composition of the biomass fractions from different cultivation salinities. High concentrations of crude protein were found. Thus, these species could have the potential for green protein production. Fractions rich in carbohydrates could be used for lignocellulose processing and processes utilising micro-organisms.
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Costa PDS, Ferraz RLDS, Dantas Neto J, Bonou SI, Cavalcante IE, de Alencar RS, Melo YL, Magalhães ID, Ndhlala AR, Schneider R, de Azevedo CAV, de Melo AS. Seed Priming with Glass Waste Microparticles and Red Light Irradiation Mitigates Thermal and Water Stresses in Seedlings of Moringa oleifera. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11192510. [PMID: 36235374 PMCID: PMC9573110 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The association between population increase and the exploitation of natural resources and climate change influences the demand for food, especially in semi-arid regions, highlighting the need for technologies that could provide cultivated species with better adaptation to agroecosystems. Additionally, developing cultivation technologies that employ waste materials is highly desirable for sustainable development. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate whether seed priming with glass waste microparticles used as a silicon source under red light irradiation mitigates the effects of thermal and water stress on seedlings of Moringa oleifera. The experimental design was set up in randomized blocks using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of seed priming (NSP—no seed priming, and SPSi—seed priming with glass microparticles under red light irradiation), soil water replenishment (W50—50%, and W100—100% of crop evapotranspiration—ETc), and temperature change (TC30°—30 °C day/25 °C night and TC40°—40 °C day/35 °C night). Seed priming with glass microparticles under red light irradiation mitigated the effects of thermal and water stress on seedlings of Moringa oleifera seedlings through the homeostasis of gas exchange, leaf water status, osmotic adjustment, and the antioxidant mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia da Silva Costa
- Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58428-830, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Rener Luciano de Souza Ferraz
- Academic Unit of Development Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Sumé 58540-000, Paraíba, Brazil
- Correspondence: (R.L.d.S.F.); (A.S.d.M.)
| | - José Dantas Neto
- Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58428-830, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Semako Ibrahim Bonou
- Academic Unit of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58428-830, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Igor Eneas Cavalcante
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, Areia 58051-900, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Yuri Lima Melo
- Department of Biology, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Ashwell Rungano Ndhlala
- Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence, University of Limpopo, Sovenga 0727, Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Ricardo Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Toledo 85902-000, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Alberto Soares de Melo
- Department of Biology, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande 58429-500, Paraíba, Brazil
- Correspondence: (R.L.d.S.F.); (A.S.d.M.)
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11
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Population Dynamic of the Annual Halophyte Salicornia ramosissima in Salt Pans: Towards a Sustainable Exploitation of Its Wild Populations. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11131676. [PMID: 35807629 PMCID: PMC9269244 DOI: 10.3390/plants11131676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Halophyte species growing under stressful conditions, such as the annual species of the Salicornia genus, have been recognized as a source of metabolites of pharmacological and nutraceutical interest. Therefore, planning the extraction of individual plants from wild populations in a sustainable way is especially important in the case of annual species. We studied the environmental matrix and population dynamic of four Salicornia ramosissima populations growing at two elevations in salt pans under a Mediterranean climate. In elevated areas, S. ramosissima populations presented maximum plant densities of between 628–6288 plants m−2 that remained almost constant until fruiting. In contrast, populations in depressed zones presented five-times greater soil-seed-bank densities and maximum plant densities than populations in elevated zones. In this context, populations in depressed zones lost c. 60% of their maximum plant densities from the end of spring and through summer. In whatever way the environmental matrix seemed to control the population dynamic of S. ramosissima in depressed zones, the effects of a stressful environment would interact with plant densities. In this sense, we recorded the density-dependent mortality for the densest population (max. 51,558 plants m−2). Our results are useful for planning a sustainable harvesting of natural populations of S. ramosissima.
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