Influence of Maternal Habitat on Salt Tolerance During Germination and Growth in Zygophyllum coccineum

Influence of Habitat and Effects of Salt Stress on Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

The seeds of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. used for cultivating are primarily sourced from wild populations. However, the types of habitats where wild G. uralensis grow are diverse. We studied the effects of salinity on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and photosynthetic physiology of two-month-old licorice seedlings from different habitats to evaluate their salt tolerance. With the increasing NaCl concentration, compared with non-salinized habitats, seedlings originating from seeds collected from salinized habitats showed milder inhibition in root biomass and root volume. Also, the crown diameter increased more significantly. Activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase are higher. Correspondingly, the electrolyte leakage rate of the leaves is low. Their leaves had a higher photoprotection capacity and potential maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII. Net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance showed less inhibition under 4 and 6 g/kg NaCl treatment. The content of glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid in their roots was significantly increased under 2 g/kg NaCl treatment and was significantly higher than that of seedlings from non-salinized habitats under the same NaCl treatment. In conclusion, seeds from salinized habitats show improved tolerance to salt stress at the seedling stage, which is attributed to their superior phenotypic adaptability, strong antioxidant, and especially high light protection ability.

Temporal Changes in Biochemical Responses to Salt Stress in Three Salicornia Species

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.

Salt Tolerance of Sea Flax (Linum maritimum L.), a Rare Species with Conservation Interest in Eastern Spain

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.

Maternal Effects of Habitats Induce Stronger Salt Tolerance in Early-Stage Offspring of Glycyrrhiza uralensis from Salinized Habitats Compared with Those from Non-Salinized Habitats

(1) Wild Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch (licorice) seeds from different habitats are often mixed for cultivation. However, differences in the responses of seeds from different habitats to salt at the early-stage offspring stage are unclear. (2) Our objective was to evaluate the salt tolerance of G. uralensis germplasms by comparing differences in seed germination and seedling vigor in salinized (abandoned farmland and meadow) and non-salinized (corn farmland edge) soil habitats under different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations. (3) The germination rates and germination indexes of seeds from the two salinized habitats with 0-320 mmol·L-1 NaCl were higher and their germination initiation times were earlier. Only seeds from salinized habitats were able to elongate their germs at 240 mmol·L-1 NaCl. Seedlings from salinized habitats had higher fresh weights and relative water contents, while they exhibited lower accumulation of malondialdehyde and less cell electrolyte leakages. Under NaCl treatment, seedlings from the salinized habitats displayed higher superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase (SOD, CAT, and POD) activities and lower superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (O2- and H2O2) contents. Their comprehensive scores showed that the vigor of licorice seeds from salinized habitats was higher. (4) The salt tolerances of different wild G. uralensis seeds were different, and the offspring of licorice from salinized habitats had stronger early-stage salt tolerances.

Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (Amaranthaceae) Demonstrate Varying Salinity Tolerance among Different Provenances

Salinity is a pressing and widespread abiotic stress, adversely affecting agriculture productivity and plant growth worldwide. Seed germination is the most critical stage to seedling growth and establishing plant species in harsh environments, including saline stress. However, seed germination characteristics and stress tolerance may vary among geographical locations, such as various provenances. Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (S. salsa) is a halophytic plant that exhibits high salt tolerance and is often considered a pioneer species for the restoration of grasslands. Understanding the germination characteristics and stress tolerance of the species could be helpful in the vegetation restoration of saline-alkali land. In this study, we collected S. salsa seeds from seven different saline-alkali habitats (S1-S7) in the Songnen Plain region to assess the germination and seedling growth responses to NaCl, Na2CO3, and NaHCO3, and to observe the recovery of seed germination after relieving the salt stress. We observed significant differences in germination and seedling growth under three salt stresses and among seven provenances. Resistance to Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 stress was considerably higher during seedling growth than seed germination, while the opposite responses were observed for NaCl resistance. Seeds from S1 and S7 showed the highest tolerance to all three salt stress treatments, while S6 exhibited the lowest tolerance. Seeds from S2 exhibited low germination under control conditions, while low NaCl concentration and pretreatment improved germination. Ungerminated seeds under high salt concentrations germinated after relieving the salt stress. Germination of ungerminated seeds after the abatement of salt stress is an important adaptation strategy for black S. salsa seeds. While seeds from most provenances regerminated under NaCl, under Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, only seeds from S4 and S7 regerminated. These findings highlight the importance of soil salinity in the maternal environment for successful seed germination and seedling growth under various salinity-alkali stresses. Therefore, seed sources and provenance should be considered for vegetation restoration.

Identifying SNP markers associated with distinctness, uniformity, and stability testing in Egyptian fenugreek genotypes

Distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) test is the legal requirement in crop breeding to grant the intellectual property right for new varieties by evaluating their morphological characteristics across environments. On the other hand, molecular markers accurately identify genetic variations and validate the purity of the cultivars. Therefore, genomic DUS can improve the efficiency of traditional DUS testing. In this study, 112 Egyptian fenugreek genotypes were grown in Egypt at two locations: Wadi El-Natrun (Wadi), El-Beheira Governorate, with salty and sandy soil, and Giza, Giza governorate, with loamy clay soil. Twelve traits were measured, of which four showed a high correlation above 0.94 over the two locations. We observed significant genotype-by-location interactions (GxL) for seed yield, as it was superior in Wadi, with few overlapping genotypes with Giza. We attribute this superiority in Wadi to the maternal habitat, as most genotypes grew in governorates with newly reclaimed salty and sandy soil. As a first step toward genomic DUS, we performed an association study, and out of 38,142 SNPs, we identified 39 SNPs demonstrating conditional neutrality and four showing pleiotropic effects. Forty additional SNPs overlapped between both locations, each showing a similar impact on the associated trait. Our findings highlight the importance of GxL in validating the effect of each SNP to make better decisions about its suitability in the marker-assisted breeding program and demonstrate its potential use in registering new plant varieties.

Ecophysiological and Biochemical Responses Depicting Seed Tolerance to Osmotic Stresses in Annual and Perennial Species of Halopeplis in a Frame of Global Warming

Plant abundance and distribution are regulated by subtle changes in ecological factors, which are becoming more frequent under global climate change. Species with a higher tolerance to such changes, especially during early lifecycle stages, are highly likely to endure climate change. This study compared the germination adaptability of Halopeplis amplexicaulis and H. perfoliata, which differ in life-form and grow in different environments. Optimal conditions, tolerances and the biochemical responses of seeds to osmotic stresses were examined. Seeds of H. perfoliata germinated in a wider range of temperature regimes and were more tolerant to osmotic stresses than H. amplexicaulis seeds. Neither NaCl nor PEG treatment invoked the H₂O₂ content in germinating seeds of the tested species. Consequently, unaltered, or even decreased activities of H₂O₂ detoxification enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed in germinating seeds in response to the aforementioned stresses. High and comparable levels of recovery from isotonic treatments, alongside a lack of substantial oxidative damage indicated that the osmotic stress, rather than the ionic toxicity, may be responsible for the germination inhibition. Hence, rainy periods, linked to water availability, may act as a key determinant for germination and H. perfoliata could be less affected by global warming owing to better germinability under high temperatures compared with H. amplexicaulis. Such studies involving biochemical analysis coupled with the germination ecology of congeneric species, which differ in life-form and occurrence are scarce, therefore are important in understanding the impacts of global changes on species abundance/distribution.

Determination of Therapeutic and Safety Effects of Zygophyllum coccineum Extract in Induced Inflammation in Rats

Background

Z. coccineum is a facultative plant with many medicinal applications. This study examined the anti-inflammatory activity of Zygophyllum coccineum (Z. coccineum) in an arthritis animal model.

Materials and Methods

Seventy-Six Wistar Albino rats of either sex randomly divided into six groups (12/each). The inflammation model was done using Complete Freund's Adjuvant in albino rats. The anti-inflammatory activities of the extract were estimated at different dose levels (15.6, 31, and 60 mg/kg) as well as upon using methotrexate (MTX) as a standard drug (0.3 mg/kg). Paw volume and arthritis index scores have been tested in all examined animals' treatments. Histological examination of joints was also performed. Flow cytometric studies were done to isolated osteoclasts. Cytokines assay as well as biochemical testing was done in the examined samples. Results. In vitro studies reported an IC₅₀ of 15.6 μg/ml for Z. coccineum extract in lipoxygenase inhibition assay (L.O.X.). Moreover, it could be noticed that isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, tribuloside, and 7-acetoxy-4-methyl coumarin were the most common compounds in Z. coccineum extract separated using L.C.–ESI-TOF–M.S. (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization ion-trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry). Microscopic examinations of synovial tissue and hind limb muscles revealed the effect of different doses of Z. coccineum extract on restoring chondrocytes and muscles structures. Osteoclast size and apoptotic rate examinations revealed the protective effect of Z. coccineum extract on osteoclast. The results upon induction of animals and upon treatment using of MTX significantly increased apoptotic rate of osteoclast compared to control, while using of 15.6 μg/ml. for Z. coccineum extract lead to recover regular apoptotic rate demonstrating the protective effect of the extract. Z. coccineum extract regulated the secretion of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Biochemical tests indicated the safety of Z. coccineum extract on kidney and liver functions. Conclusion. Z. coccineum extract has efficient and safe anti-inflammatory potential in an induced rat model.

Biochar and jasmonic acid application attenuates antioxidative systems and improves growth, physiology, nutrient uptake and productivity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) irrigated with saline water

The effect of foliar treatment with jasmonic acid at 0.5 mM (JA) and biochar (15 ton ha^-1) as a soil amendment for the faba bean (Vicia faba L. Sakha 4) was studied under salinity conditions. Salt stress led to a significant decrease in leaf numbers, leaf areas and plants, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and yield parameters. In contrast, reactive oxygen species, the proline concentration, level of malondialdehyde, and amount of electrolyte leakage were noticeably increased during both seasons under salt levels of 1500 and 3000 ppm sodium chloride (NaCl). Also, enzyme activities (i.e., of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) were increased, especially under a high level of salinity stress (3000 ppm). Application of biochar, jasmonic acid, or biochar + jasmonic acid significantly reduced the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities in salt-stressed plants to values approaching those of the control (unstressed) plants, especially under 1500 ppm of NaCl stress. Biochar and jasmonic acid treatments mitigated the damaging effects of salinity and improved the plant status as indicated by the plant height, leaf area, relative water content, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations. Moreover, biochar and jasmonic acid treatments of the salt-stressed plants enhanced plant productivity, number of flowers, number of seeds per plant, and weight of 100 seeds during two successive seasons. Overall, this study suggests that biochar or jasmonic acid treatments might be promising for mitigating the detrimental impact of salt stress on faba beans.

Differential Salt Tolerance Strategies in Three Halophytes from the Same Ecological Habitat: Augmentation of Antioxidant Enzymes and Compounds

Understanding the salt tolerance mechanism in obligate halophytes provides valuable information for conservation and re-habitation of saline areas. Here, we investigated the responses of three obligate halophytes namely Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Sarcocornia fruticosa and Salicornia europaea to salt stress (0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 mM NaCl) during their vegetative growth with regard to biomass, ions contents (Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca⁺²), chlorophyll contents, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and esterase activities. S. europaea showed the lowest biomass, root K⁺ content, Chl a/b ratio, and carotenoids under salinity. This reduction of biomass is concomitant with the increase in proline contents and peroxidase activity. On the other hand, the promotion of growth under low salinity and maintenance under high salinity (200 and 400 Mm NaCl) in A. Macrostachyum and S. fruticosa are accompanied by an increase in Chl a/b ratio, carotenoids, phenolics contents, and esterase activity. Proline content was decreased under high salinity (400 and 600 mM NaCl) in both species compared to S. europaea, while peroxidase showed the lowest activity in both plants under all salt levels except under 600 mM NaCl in Arthrocnemum macrostachyum compared to S. europaea. These results suggest two differential strategies; (1) the salt tolerance is due to activation of antioxidant enzymes and biosynthesis of proline in S. europaea, (2) the salt tolerance in A. macrostachyum, S. fruticosa are due to rearrangement of chlorophyll ratio and biosynthesis of antioxidant compounds (carotenoids, phenolics and flavonoids) which their cost seem to need less energy than activation of antioxidant enzymes. The differential behavior in halophytes of the same habitat confirms that the tolerance mechanism in halophytes is species-specific which provides new insight about the restoration strategy of saline areas.

Salinity alleviates the toxicity level of ozone in a halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (Ice plant) is an annual halophytic plant species spread in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt. Information about the behaviour of halophytes under the future concentration of ozone (O₃) is scanty. Therefore, we have assessed the effects of elevated O₃ (ambient + 20 ppb), moderate salinity (200 mM NaCl), and their combined treatment (salinity + elevated O₃) on various morphological, growth, physiological, biochemical and anatomical parameters of Egyptian ice plant. Under salinity stress, plant growth, percentage of pigmented leaf and its thickness, ROS levels, antioxidative enzymes, and ROS scavenging activities were increased, while photosynthetic pigments and efficiency were decreased compared to the control. Elevated O₃ exposure led to reductions in most of the growth parameters and pigments, while ROS levels, histochemical localization of H₂O₂ and ·O₂^-, antioxidative enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants (betacyanin, phenolics, thiols and ascorbic acid) showed increases. Surprisingly, salinity alleviated the oxidative stress of elevated O₃ due to the rise of SOD activity, antioxidant compounds, and a decrease of ·O₂^- production rate with concomitant increases of most of the growth parameters. Thick lower collenchyma and enhancement of xylem parenchyma under O₃ and combined treatment suggested that anatomical acclimation also operated under O₃ stress and salinity played a vital role in the growth of this plant under combined stress. Results showed that salt is essential for the optimum development of this species and its role is extended to alleviate the oxidative damage caused by elevated O₃. The results further recommend the use of Egyptian M. crystallinum as a O₃ tolerant crop for saline areas along the Mediterranean Sea coast.

Halophytes and other molecular strategies for the generation of salt-tolerant crops

The current increase in salinity can intensify the disparity between potential and actual crop yields, thus affecting economies and food security. One of the mitigating alternatives is plant breeding via biotechnology, where advances achieved so far are significant. Considering certain aspects when developing studies related to plant breeding can determine the success and accuracy of experimental design. Besides this strategy, halophytes with intrinsic and efficient abilities against salinity can be used as models for improving the response of crops to salinity stress. As crops are mostly glycophytes, it is crucial to point out the molecular differences between these two groups of plants, which may be the key to guiding and optimizing the transformation of glycophytes with halophytic tolerance genes. Therefore, this can broaden perspectives in the trajectory of research towards the cultivation, commercialization, and consumption of salt-tolerant crops on a large scale.