The impact of saline and water stress on the agronomic performance of beet crops.

Excessive salts in irrigation water and water stress have a negative impact on the productive yield of agricultural crops. In this regard, the objective was to evaluate the effect of combined saline and water stress on the agronomic performance of the beet crop. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located at the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, in Redenção, Ceará. The experimental design used was completely randomized with split-plots arrangement. The main plots were formed by the electrical conductivities of the irrigation water (0.8, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1), while the irrigation depths of 50 and 100% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were the subplots, with 6 replications. Saline stress negatively affected growth, biomass, tuber root length, and productivity, while increasing the soluble solids of the beet crop. Excessive salts in the irrigation water caused reductions in physiological indices of the beet crop, although with less severity under the 100% ETc.

Hydrogen peroxide in the induction of tolerance of guava seedlings to salt stress / Peróxido de hidrogênio na indução de tolerância de mudas de goiabeira ao estresse salino

Guava cultivation plays a significant role in the socioeconomic development of the Brazilian semi-arid region, contributing to employment opportunities and income generation. However, this region often faces the challenge of high levels of dissolved salts in water sources, necessitating strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on plants. This study aimed to assess the impact of foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on gas exchange, photochemical efficiency, growth, and quality of guava seedlings subjected to salt stress. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Pombal - PB, Brazil, following a randomized block design. The treatments comprised a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, representing five levels of electrical conductivity in the irrigation water (ECw: 0.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, and 4.3 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 0, 25, 50, and 75 µM). Each treatment was replicated four times, with two plants per plot. Irrigation with water having an electrical conductivity of 0.3 dS m-1 significantly inhibited gas exchange, photochemical efficiency, and growth of guava seedlings after 91 days of emergence. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at concentrations up to 75 µM did not alleviate the effects of salt stress during the seedling formation phase of guava plants. Guava cv. Paluma was found to be sensitive to water salinity during the seedling formation phase, with a threshold level of 0.3 dS m-1 and a decrease in the growth rate of 11.48% per unit increase in salinity.(AU)

A goiabeira é uma cultura importante no cenário socioeconômico da região semiárida brasileira, sendo uma fonte de geração de emprego e renda. Contudo, nesta região é comum a ocorrência de fontes hídricas com altos teores de sais dissolvidos e assim são necessárias estratégias que visem minimizar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino nas plantas. Neste contexto, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos da aplicação foliar com peróxido de hidrogênio nas trocas gasosas, eficiência fotoquímica, crescimento e qualidade de mudas de goiabeira sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido sob condições de casa de vegetação em Pombal, Paraíba, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 5 × 4, referentes a cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (0,3; 1,3; 2,3; 3,3 e 4,3 dS m-1) e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio ­ H2O2 (0, 25, 50 e 75 µM) com quatro repetições e duas plantas por parcela. A irrigação com água de condutividade elétrica a partir de 0,3 dS m-1 inibiu as trocas gasosas, eficiência fotoquímica e crescimento de mudas de goiabeira, aos 91 dias após a emergência. A aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio em concentrações de até 75 µM não amenizou os efeitos do estresse salino em plantas de goiabeira na fase de formação de mudas. A goiabeira cv. Paluma é classificada como sensível a salinidade da água na fase de formação de mudas, sendo o nível limiar de 0,3 dS m-1 e diminuição por aumento unitário de 11,48%.(AU)

Germination of Dypsis decaryi seeds under salt stress / Germinação de sementes de Dypsis decaryi submetidas ao estresse salino

The triangle palm (Dypsis decaryi), a species native to Madagascar, possesses various ornamental characteristics that make it highly valued in the international market. Seed propagation is the primary method for its cultivation, and this process is influenced by factors such as sowing time and salinity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the germination behavior of D. decaryi seeds under different saline concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl), in two distinct periods. The experiment followed a completely randomized design, employing a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement corresponding to two seasons of experimentation (summer and winter), two salt types (NaCl and KCl), and four salt concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mM), in addition to a control group without salt. Each treatment consisted of four replications, with 25 seeds per replication. The evaluated parameters were germination percentage, germination speed index, and mean germination time. No significant effects were observed when analyzing the salt types individually, the interaction between seasons and salts, or the interaction between all three factors. However, during the summer season, the seeds exhibited higher mean germination percentages and germination speed indices and shorter mean germination times, regardless of the salt used. A high germination percentage (73.79%) was observed at the highest salt concentration tested for both NaCl and KCl. Consequently, we conclude that D. decaryi is tolerant to salinity, as simulated by KCl and NaCl, during the seed germination process. Sowing time, salt concentrations, and the interaction between these variables influenced germination.(AU)

A palmeira triângulo (Dypsis decaryi), nativa de Madagascar, apresenta diversas características de interesse ornamental, tornando-a uma espécie importante para o mercado internacional. Seu principal método de propagação é por semente, que é influenciado por vários fatores como época de semeadura e salinidade. Propôs-se avaliar o comportamento germinativo de sementes de D. decaryi em diferentes concentrações salinas de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) e cloreto de potássio (KCl) em duas épocas. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado; o experimento foi realizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 5, sendo duas épocas de condução do experimento (verão e inverno), dois tipos de sais (NaCl e KCl) e quatro concentrações salinas (25, 50, 75 e 100 mM) e ausência de sais - controle; foram quatro repetições e 25 sementes por parcela. Avaliou-se porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação e tempo médio de germinação. Não houve efeito significativo de forma isolada entre os tipos de sais, para interação de épocas e sais e, entre os três fatores avaliados. Observou-se que no verão as sementes apresentaram maiores médias de porcentagem de germinação, maior índice de velocidade de germinação, e menor tempo médio de germinação para ambos os sais. Foi possível observar alta porcentagem de germinação (73,79%) na maior concentração salina avaliada para ambos os sais. Concluiu-se que a espécie se mostrou tolerante à salinidade simulada por KCl e NaCl, durante o processo de germinação de sementes, o qual foi influenciado pela época de semeadura, concentrações salinas e interação entre épocas e concentrações.(AU)

Salt stress in the early development stage of peanut genotypes / Estresse salino em genótipos de amendoim na fase inicial

Salt stress impairs the early development of the peanut crop. However, the intensity of its effects depends on other factors, such as species or cultivar. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the effects of salt stress on the early growth of peanut genotypes. The experiment was carried out in an agricultural greenhouse under pot conditions at the University for International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony in Redenção/CE/Brazil. The treatments were: two levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (2.0 and 5.0 dS m-1) and five peanut genotypes (cultivar BR-1, Accession 08, 28, 43, and 130). They were implemented in a factorial design (2 × 5) under a completely randomized design with five replications. The following variables were evaluated at 34 days after sowing: number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, electrical conductivity of the saturated soil extract, and pH. Irrigation water with a conductivity of 5.0 dS m-1 reduced leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and shoot dry matter of the peanut genotypes cultivar BR-1, Accessions 08, 28, 43, and 130. It also raised the pH and electrical conductivity of the saturated soil extract in relation to the water with lower conductivity (2.0 dS m-1).(AU)

O estresse salino prejudica o desenvolvimento inicial da cultura do amendoim. Contudo, seus efeitos possuem intensidade que dependem de outros fatores, como as espécies ou cultivar. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do estresse salino no crescimento inicial de genótipos de amendoim. O experimento foi conduzido em estufa agrícola sob condições de vaso na Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira em Redenção/CE. Os tratamentos foram: dois níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (2,0 e 5,0 dS m-1); e cinco genótipos de amendoim (cultivar BR-1, Acesso 08, 28, 43 e 130). Foi implantado num esquema fatorial (2 × 5) sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. Aos 34 dias após a semeadura foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: número de folhas, altura de plantas, área foliar, diâmetro do caule, massa seca da parte aérea, condutividade elétrica do extrato de saturação do solo e o pH. A água de irrigação com condutividade de 5,0 dS m-1 reduz área foliar, altura de planta, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e a matéria seca da parte aérea de genótipos de amendoim, cultivar BR-1, Acessos 08, 28, 43 e 130. Também eleva o pH e a condutividade elétrica do extrato de saturação, em relação à água de menor condutividade (2,0 dS m-1).(AU)

Ecophysiology of Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) under saline stress and salicylic acid / Ecofisiologia de Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) sob estresse salino e ácido salicílico

Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is a species widely used in folk medicine and has a high aromatic and therapeutic potential. However, its cultivation in semi-arid regions can be limited by salts in the irrigation water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) as a mitigator of saline stress on the growth and gas exchange of M. suaveolens. The experimental design used was the randomized blocks in an incomplete factorial scheme (Central Composite Design), with five electrical conductivities water (ECw = 0.5, 1.45, 5.0, 8.55, and 10.0 dS m-¹) and five SA doses (0.0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71, and 2.0 mM). Plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, and height/diameter ratio, and gas exchange (stomatal conductance, net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, instantaneous, and intrinsic water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and leaf temperature) were evaluated. The application of 0.9 mM SA attenuates the negative effect of saline stress on the number of leaves and leaf area of M. suaveolens. The application of SA stimulates the number of leaves, plant height, and root growth, but does not affect the gas exchange of M. suaveolens. ECw reduces the growth and gas exchange of M. suaveolens plants.

Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze é uma espécie muito utilizada na medicina popular e que possui um elevado potencial aromático e terapêutico. No entanto, sua exploração em regiões semiáridas pode ser limitada em função do teor de sais na água de irrigação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do ácido salicílico (AS) como mitigador do estresse salino sobre o crescimento e trocas gasosas de M. suaveolens. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto (Delineamento Composto Central), com cinco condutividades elétricas de água (CEa = 0,5, 1,45, 5,0, 8,55 e 10,0 dS m-¹) e cinco doses de AS (0,0, 0,29, 1,0, 1,71 e 2,0 mM). Foram avaliados a altura de plantas, número de folhas, diâmetro do caule, área foliar, comprimento de raiz e relação altura/diâmetro do caule e trocas gasosas (condutância estomática, taxa de assimilação líquida de CO2, transpiração, eficiência instantânea e eficiência intrínseca no uso da água e de carboxilação e a temperatura foliar). A aplicação do AS na dose de 0,9 mM atenua o efeito do estresse salino sobre o número de folhas e área foliar. A aplicação de AS estimula o número de folhas e o crescimento em altura e da raiz, mas não afeta as trocas gasosas. A CEa reduz o crescimento e as trocas gasosas das plantas de M. suaveolens.

Attenuation of salt stress on the physiology and production of bell peppers by treatment with salicylic acid / Atenuação do estresse salino na fisiologia e produção de pimentões por tratamento com ácido salicílico

The use of saline water for irrigation in semi-arid regions has become a reality due to the water scarcity that occurs in most of the year. In this scenario, exogenous application of salicylic acid may be a strategy to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants and ensure the production of socioeconomically important crops in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, such as bell pepper. Thus, this study examines the osmoprotective effect of salicylic acid on gas exchanges, chloroplast pigments and production components of 'All Big' bell pepper plants irrigated with water with different saline levels. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil. Treatments consisted of four levels of electrical conductivity on the irrigation water (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 dS m-¹) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 mM), which were distributed in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement in a randomized block design with three replicates. Increases in irrigation water salinity from 0.8 dS m-¹ resulted in changes in gas exchange and total chlorophyll levels of 'All Big' bell pepper plants. The estimated salicylic acid concentration of 1.7 mM reduced the effects of salinity on stomatal conductance, transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, total chlorophyll and fruit diameters. Irrigation with water of 1.8, 0.8 and 1.6 dS m-¹ salinity associated with the estimated salicylic acid concentration of 1.6 mM increased the biosynthesis of chlorophylls a and b and the number of fruits, respectively, in bell pepper plants.

A utilização de água salina para irrigação, em regiões semiáridas, tem se tornado uma realidade em funçãoda escassez hídrica que ocorre na maior parte do ano. Assim, a aplicação exógena de ácido salicílico pode ser uma estratégia capaz de amenizar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino sobre as plantas e garantira produção agrícola de culturas socioeconomicamente importantes no semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro, como o pimentão. Deste modo, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a capacidade osmoprotetora do ácido salicílico sobre as trocas gasosas, pigmentos cloroplastídicos e componentes de produção de plantas de pimentão 'All Big' irrigadas com águas de diferentes níveis salinos. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, correspondendo a quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8, 1,6; 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-¹) e quatro concentrações de ácido salicílico - AS (0; 1,2; 2,4 e 3,6 mM), com três repetições. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 0,8 dS m-¹ resultou em alterações nas trocas gasosas e nos teores de clorofila total das plantas de pimentão 'All Big'. A concentração estimada em 1,7 mM de ácido salicílico amenizou os efeitos da salinidade sobre a condutância estomática, a transpiração, a taxa de assimilação de CO2, a eficiência instantânea da carboxilação, clorofila total e os diâmetros dos frutos. A irrigação com água de 1,8, 0,8 e 1,6dS m-¹, associada a concentração estimada de 1,6 mM de ácido salicílico incrementou respectivamente, a biossíntese de clorofila a e b, e o número de frutos em plantas de pimentão.

Attenuation of salt stress on the physiology and production of bell peppers by treatment with salicylic acid / Atenuação do estresse salino na fisiologia e produção de pimentões por tratamento com ácido salicílico

The use of saline water for irrigation in semi-arid regions has become a reality due to the water scarcity that occurs in most of the year. In this scenario, exogenous application of salicylic acid may be a strategy to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants and ensure the production of socioeconomically important crops in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, such as bell pepper. Thus, this study examines the osmoprotective effect of salicylic acid on gas exchanges, chloroplast pigments and production components of 'All Big' bell pepper plants irrigated with water with different saline levels. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil. Treatments consisted of four levels of electrical conductivity on the irrigation water (0.8, 1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 dS m-¹) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 mM), which were distributed in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement in a randomized block design with three replicates. Increases in irrigation water salinity from 0.8 dS m-¹ resulted in changes in gas exchange and total chlorophyll levels of 'All Big' bell pepper plants. The estimated salicylic acid concentration of 1.7 mM reduced the effects of salinity on stomatal conductance, transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, total chlorophyll and fruit diameters. Irrigation with water of 1.8, 0.8 and 1.6 dS m-¹ salinity associated with the estimated salicylic acid concentration of 1.6 mM increased the biosynthesis of chlorophylls a and b and the number of fruits, respectively, in bell pepper plants.(AU)

A utilização de água salina para irrigação, em regiões semiáridas, tem se tornado uma realidade em funçãoda escassez hídrica que ocorre na maior parte do ano. Assim, a aplicação exógena de ácido salicílico pode ser uma estratégia capaz de amenizar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino sobre as plantas e garantira produção agrícola de culturas socioeconomicamente importantes no semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro, como o pimentão. Deste modo, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a capacidade osmoprotetora do ácido salicílico sobre as trocas gasosas, pigmentos cloroplastídicos e componentes de produção de plantas de pimentão 'All Big' irrigadas com águas de diferentes níveis salinos. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de casa de vegetação, em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, correspondendo a quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,8, 1,6; 2,4 e 3,2 dS m-¹) e quatro concentrações de ácido salicílico - AS (0; 1,2; 2,4 e 3,6 mM), com três repetições. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 0,8 dS m-¹ resultou em alterações nas trocas gasosas e nos teores de clorofila total das plantas de pimentão 'All Big'. A concentração estimada em 1,7 mM de ácido salicílico amenizou os efeitos da salinidade sobre a condutância estomática, a transpiração, a taxa de assimilação de CO2, a eficiência instantânea da carboxilação, clorofila total e os diâmetros dos frutos. A irrigação com água de 1,8, 0,8 e 1,6dS m-¹, associada a concentração estimada de 1,6 mM de ácido salicílico incrementou respectivamente, a biossíntese de clorofila a e b, e o número de frutos em plantas de pimentão.(AU)

Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu presents a better response to in vitro salt stress than other commercial cultivars / Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu apresenta uma melhor resposta ao estresse salino in vitro comparada a outras cultivares comerciais

Urochloa brizantha is the main forage grass to raise cattle in Brazil, but salt stress can reduce yield. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation to salt stress remain poorly understood in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of three cultivars of U. brizantha to in vitro salt stress. Seeds of three cultivars (Piatã, Marandu, and Xaraés) germinated in filter paper and then transferred to growth on culture mediain vitro containing 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg L-¹ of sodium chloride (NaCl). Biometric parameters and proline content were determined after 28 days. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the separation of means was performed by the LSD test (p<0.05). Semi-quantitative expression of the Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS1) gene was performed. In all cultivars, increase of NaCl concentration in the media affected roots and shoots growth. Xaraes cultivar presented the greater biomass reduction while Marandu cultivar was the least affected. Salt stress increased by approximated 0.6folds transcription of the P5CS1gene in all cultivars. However, Marandu cultivar presented a higher proline content and least biomass reduction suggesting a better response to in vitro to salt stress.

Urochloa brizantha é a principal gramínea forrageira para a pecuária no Brasil, mas o estresse salino pode reduzir a produtividade. Os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de adaptação ao estresse salino permanecem pouco conhecidos nesta espécie. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as respostas de três cultivares de U. brizantha ao estresse salino in vitro. Sementes de três cultivares (Piatã, Marandu e Xaraés) germinaram em papel filtro e foram transferidas para cultivo em meio in vitro contendo 0, 50, 100 e 200 mg L-¹ de cloreto de sódio (NaCl). Os parâmetros biométricos e o conteúdo de prolina foram determinados após 28 dias. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e separação de médias realizada pelo teste LSD (p <0,05). Foi realizada a expressão semi quantitativa do gene da Δ¹-pirrolina-5-carboxilato sintase (P5CS1). Em todas as cultivares, o aumento da concentração de NaCl no meio afetou o crescimento das raízes e da parte aérea. A cultivar Xaraes apresentou a maior redução na biomassa enquanto Marandu foi a menos afetada. O estresse salino foi aumentado pela transcrição de aproximadamente 0,7 vezes do gene P5CS1em todas as cultivares. No entanto, a cultivar Marandu apresentou maior teor de prolina e menor redução de biomassa, sugerindo melhor resposta ao estresse salino in vitro.

Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu presents a better response to in vitro salt stress than other commercial cultivars / Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu apresenta uma melhor resposta ao estresse salino in vitro comparada a outras cultivares comerciais

Urochloa brizantha is the main forage grass to raise cattle in Brazil, but salt stress can reduce yield. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation to salt stress remain poorly understood in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of three cultivars of U. brizantha to in vitro salt stress. Seeds of three cultivars (Piatã, Marandu, and Xaraés) germinated in filter paper and then transferred to growth on culture mediain vitro containing 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg L-¹ of sodium chloride (NaCl). Biometric parameters and proline content were determined after 28 days. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the separation of means was performed by the LSD test (p<0.05). Semi-quantitative expression of the Δ¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS1) gene was performed. In all cultivars, increase of NaCl concentration in the media affected roots and shoots growth. Xaraes cultivar presented the greater biomass reduction while Marandu cultivar was the least affected. Salt stress increased by approximated 0.6folds transcription of the P5CS1gene in all cultivars. However, Marandu cultivar presented a higher proline content and least biomass reduction suggesting a better response to in vitro to salt stress.(AU)

Urochloa brizantha é a principal gramínea forrageira para a pecuária no Brasil, mas o estresse salino pode reduzir a produtividade. Os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de adaptação ao estresse salino permanecem pouco conhecidos nesta espécie. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as respostas de três cultivares de U. brizantha ao estresse salino in vitro. Sementes de três cultivares (Piatã, Marandu e Xaraés) germinaram em papel filtro e foram transferidas para cultivo em meio in vitro contendo 0, 50, 100 e 200 mg L-¹ de cloreto de sódio (NaCl). Os parâmetros biométricos e o conteúdo de prolina foram determinados após 28 dias. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e separação de médias realizada pelo teste LSD (p <0,05). Foi realizada a expressão semi quantitativa do gene da Δ¹-pirrolina-5-carboxilato sintase (P5CS1). Em todas as cultivares, o aumento da concentração de NaCl no meio afetou o crescimento das raízes e da parte aérea. A cultivar Xaraes apresentou a maior redução na biomassa enquanto Marandu foi a menos afetada. O estresse salino foi aumentado pela transcrição de aproximadamente 0,7 vezes do gene P5CS1em todas as cultivares. No entanto, a cultivar Marandu apresentou maior teor de prolina e menor redução de biomassa, sugerindo melhor resposta ao estresse salino in vitro.(AU)

Effect of Salt Stress on Growth and Metabolite Profiles of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) along Three Growth Stages.

Colombia is the main producer of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), a plant known for its various consumption practices and medicinal properties. This plant is generally grown in eroded soils and is considered moderately tolerant to unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient-poor soils or high salt concentrations. Most studies conducted on this plant focus on fruit production and composition because it is the target product, but a small number of studies have been conducted to describe the effect of abiotic stress, e.g., salt stress, on growth and biochemical responses. In order to better understand the mechanism of inherent tolerance of this plant facing salt stress, the present study was conducted to determine the metabolic and growth differences of P. peruviana plants at three different BBCH-based growth substages, varying salt conditions. Hence, plants were independently treated with two NaCl solutions, and growth parameters and LC-ESI-MS-derived semi-quantitative levels of metabolites were then measured and compared between salt treatments per growth substage. A 90 mM NaCl treatment caused the greatest effect on plants, provoking low growth and particular metabolite variations. The treatment discrimination-driving feature classification suggested that glycosylated flavonols increased under 30 mM NaCl at 209 substages, withanolides decreased under 90 mM NaCl at 603 and 703 substages, and up-regulation of a free flavonol at all selected stages can be considered a salt stress response. Findings locate such response into a metabolic context and afford some insights into the plant response associated with antioxidant compound up-regulation.

Link between Lipid Second Messengers and Osmotic Stress in Plants.

Plants are subject to different types of stress, which consequently affect their growth and development. They have developed mechanisms for recognizing and processing an extracellular signal. Second messengers are transient molecules that modulate the physiological responses in plant cells under stress conditions. In this sense, it has been shown in various plant models that membrane lipids are substrates for the generation of second lipid messengers such as phosphoinositide, phosphatidic acid, sphingolipids, and lysophospholipids. In recent years, research on lipid second messengers has been moving toward using genetic and molecular approaches to reveal the molecular setting in which these molecules act in response to osmotic stress. In this sense, these studies have established that second messengers can transiently recruit target proteins to the membrane and, therefore, affect protein conformation, activity, and gene expression. This review summarizes recent advances in responses related to the link between lipid second messengers and osmotic stress in plant cells.

Exopolysaccharide II Is Relevant for the Survival of Sinorhizobium meliloti under Water Deficiency and Salinity Stress.

Sinorhizobium meliloti is a soil bacterium of great agricultural importance because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in symbiotic association with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) roots. We looked into the involvement of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in its survival when exposed to different environmental stressors, as well as in bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-substrate interactions. The strains used were wild-type Rm8530 and two strains that are defective in the biosynthesis of EPS II: wild-type Rm1021, which has a non-functional expR locus, and mutant Rm8530 expA. Under stress by water deficiency, Rm8530 remained viable and increased in number, whereas Rm1021 and Rm8530 expA did not. These differences could be due to Rm8530's ability to produce EPS II. Survival experiments under saline stress showed that viability was reduced for Rm1021 but not for Rm8530 or Rm8530 expA, which suggests the existence of some regulating mechanism dependent on a functional expR that is absent in Rm1021. The results of salinity-induced stress assays regarding biofilm-forming capacity (BFC) and autoaggregation indicated the protective role of EPS II. As a whole, our observations demonstrate that EPS play major roles in rhizobacterial survival.

Metabolic changes associated with differential salt tolerance in sorghum genotypes.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Accumulation of specific metabolites, mainly γ-aminobutyric acid, polyamines, and proline, was essential to homeostasis regulation and differential salt tolerance in sorghum genotypes. Salinity is severe abiotic stress that limits plant growth and development in arid and semi-arid regions. Survival to abiotic stresses depends on metabolic and sometimes even morphological adjustments. We measured the growth parameters, water relations, the content of ions (Na+, K+, Cl-), compatible solutes [some free amino acids (FAAs) including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and proline and soluble carbohydrates) and polyamines (PAs), the activity of PAs metabolism enzymes, and metabolomic profile in plants after 14 days of salt stress treatment. These analyses were to evaluate the influence of metabolomic responses of sorghum genotypes exhibiting sensitivity (CSF18) or tolerance (CSF20) to salinity on plant growth. The salinity promoted growth reductions and induced increases in Na+ and Cl- content and decreases in K+ content. The water status and osmotic potential (Ψo) were reduced by salt stress, but to minimize damage, especially in the CSF20, the osmolytes and PAs contributed to the osmotic adjustment. The results showed that salinity induced an increase in putrescine (Put) in the sensitive genotype. However, it raised spermidine (Spd), spermine (Spm), and cadaverine (Cad) in the tolerant genotype. In addition, the regulation of polyamine oxidase can be related to Spm and GABA biosynthesis. Differential metabolic changes to salt tolerance include metabolites associated with tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and the metabolisms of sugars, FAAs, and PAs.

Cell wall remodeling under salt stress: Insights into changes in polysaccharides, feruloylation, lignification, and phenolic metabolism in maize.

Although cell wall polymers play important roles in the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress, the effects of salinity on cell wall composition and metabolism in grasses remain largely unexplored. Here, we conducted an in-depth study of changes in cell wall composition and phenolic metabolism induced upon salinity in maize seedlings and plants. Cell wall characterization revealed that salt stress modulated the deposition of cellulose, matrix polysaccharides and lignin in seedling roots, plant roots and stems. The extraction and analysis of arabinoxylans by size-exclusion chromatography, 2D-NMR spectroscopy and carbohydrate gel electrophoresis showed a reduction of arabinoxylan content in salt-stressed roots. Saponification and mild acid hydrolysis revealed that salinity also reduced the feruloylation of arabinoxylans in roots of seedlings and plants. Determination of lignin content and composition by nitrobenzene oxidation and 2D-NMR confirmed the increased incorporation of syringyl units in lignin of maize roots. Salt stress also induced the expression of genes and the activity of enzymes enrolled in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The UHPLC-MS-based metabolite profiling confirmed the modulation of phenolic profiling by salinity and the accumulation of ferulate and its derivatives 3- and 4-O-feruloyl quinate. In conclusion, we present a model for explaining cell wall remodeling in response to salinity.

Pseudomonas stutzeri MJL19, a rhizosphere-colonizing bacterium that promotes plant growth under saline stress.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to find and use rhizobacteria able to confer plants advantages to deal with saline conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We isolated 24 different bacterial species from the rhizosphere of halophyte plants growing in Santiago del Estero, Argentina salt flat. Four strains were selected upon their ability to grow in salinity and their biochemical traits associated with plant growth promotion. Next, we tested the adhesion on soybean seeds surface and root colonization with the four selected isolates. Isolate 19 stood out from the rest and was selected for further experiments. This strain showed positive chemotaxis towards soybean root exudates and a remarkable ability to form biofilm both in vitro conditions and on soybean roots. Interestingly, this trait was enhanced in high saline conditions, indicating the extremely adapted nature of the bacterium to high salinity. In addition, this strain positively impacted on seed germination, plant growth and general plant health status also under saline stress. CONCLUSIONS: A bacterium isolate with outstanding ability to promote seed germination and plant growth under saline conditions was found. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The experimental approach allowed us to find a suitable bacterial candidate for a biofertilizer intended to alleviate saline stress on crops. This would allow the use of soil now considered inadequate for agriculture and thus prevent further advancement of agriculture frontiers into areas of environmental value.

Antarctic root endophytes improve physiological performance and yield in crops under salt stress by enhanced energy production and Na+ sequestration.

Climatic change is pointed as one of the major challenges for global food security. Based on current models of climate change, reduction in precipitations and in turn, increase in the soil salinity will be a sharp constraint for crops productivity worldwide. In this context, root fungi appear as a new strategy to improve plant ecophysiological performance and crop yield under abiotic stress. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the two fungal endophytes Penicillium brevicompactum and P. chrysogenum isolated from Antarctic plants on nutrients and Na+ contents, net photosynthesis, water use efficiency, yield and survival in tomato and lettuce, facing salinity stress conditions. Inoculation of plant roots with fungal endophytes resulted in greater fresh and dry biomass production, and an enhanced survival rate under salt conditions. Inoculation of plants with the fungal endophytes was related with a higher up/down-regulation of ion homeostasis by enhanced expression of the NHX1 gene. The two endophytes diminished the effects of salt stress in tomato and lettuce, provoked a higher efficiency in photosynthetic energy production and an improved sequestration of Na+ in vacuoles is suggested by the upregulating of the expression of vacuolar NHX1 Na+/H+ antiporters. Promoting plant-beneficial interactions with root symbionts appears to be an environmentally friendly strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change variables on crop production.

A novel Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri NADPH quinone reductase involved in salt stress response and virulence.

BACKGROUND: Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), the causal agent of citrus canker is maintained as an epiphyte on citrus leaves until entering the plant tissue. During epiphytic survival, bacteria may encounter low water availability that challenges the infection process. Proteomics analyses of Xcc under saline stress, mimicking the conditions found during epiphytic survival, showed increased abundance of a putative NAD(P)H dehydrogenase encoded by XAC2229. METHODS: Expression levels of XAC2229 and a Xcc mutant in XAC2229 were analyzed in salt and oxidative stress and during plant-pathogen interaction. An Escherichia coli expressing XAC2229 was obtained, and the role of this protein in oxidative stress resistance and in reactive oxygen species production was studied. Finally, Xac2229 protein was purified, spectrophotometric and cofactor analyses were done and enzymatic activities determined. RESULTS: XAC2229 was expressed under salt stress and during plant-pathogen interaction. ΔXAC2229 mutant showed less number of cankers and impaired epiphytic survival than the wild type strain. ΔXAC2229 survived less in the presence of H2O2 and produced more reactive oxygen species and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances than the wild type strain. Similar results were observed for E. coli expressing XAC2229. Xac2229 is a FAD containing flavoprotein, displays diaphorase activity with an optimum at pH 6.0 and has quinone reductase activity using NADPH as an electron donor. CONCLUSIONS: A FAD containing flavoprotein from Xcc is a new NADPH quinone reductase required for bacterial virulence, particularly in Xcc epiphytic survival on citrus leaves. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A novel protein involved in the worldwide disease citrus canker was characterized.

Physiological changes and growth of soursop plants under irrigation with saline water and H2O2 in post-grafting phase / Alterações fisiológicas e crescimento de gravioleira cultivadas com águas salinas e H2O2 na fase pós-enxertia

The low availability of water associated with high salt concentrations in irrigation water has become one of the leading challenges for agricultural production in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Thus, the study of strategies to enable the use of saline water in agriculture is essential. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate alterations in gas exchange, chloroplast pigments, and cell damage in soursop (Anonna muricata L.) irrigated with saline water and under exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the post-grafting phase. A study was conducted in Campina Grande, PB, under greenhouse conditions. The treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of four levels of electrical conductivity of water (ECw; 1.6; 2.4; 3.2 and 4.0 dS m-¹) and two concentrations of H2O2 (0 and 20 µM) with four replications. Irrigation water salinity from 1.6 dS m-¹ caused changes in the stomatal conductance, respiration, and internal CO2 concentration of soursop plants. A 20 µM concentration of H2O2 reduced the effects of salinity on transpiration and CO2 assimilation values, in addition to promoting the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments and reducing cell damage in soursop plants, at 150 days after transplantation. The exogenous application of 20 µM H2O2 reduced the deleterious effects of salinity on the stem diameter of both rootstock and scion in soursop plants irrigated with ECw of 1.6 dS m-¹. The exogenous application of 20 µM H2O2 was not efficient in mitigating the damage caused by salinity on the stem diameter of the soursop at grafting point.

A baixa disponibilidade da água associada as altas concentrações de sais da água de irrigação, tornou-se um dos principais desafios para produção agrícola no semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro. Dessa forma, o estudo de estratégias para viabilizar o uso da água salina na agricultura é fundamental. Assim, objetivou se com a pesquisa avaliar alterações nas trocas gasosas, pigmentos cloroplastídicos e danos celular em gravioleira (Anonna muricata L.) na fase pós-enxertia irrigada com águas salinas e aplicação exógena de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2). A pesquisa foi conduzida em condições de casa de vegetação em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, sendo constituídos de quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (1,6;2,4; 3,2 e 4,0 dS m-¹) e duas concentrações de H2O2 (0 e 20 µM), com quatro repetições. A salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 1,6 dS m-¹ causa alterações na condutância estomática, transpiração e concentração interna de CO2 das plantas de gravioleira. A concentração de 20 µM de H2O2 mitigou os efeitos da salinidade sobre a transpiração e taxa de assimilação de CO2, além de promover a biossíntese dos pigmentos fotossintéticos e reduzir o dano celular a gravioleira, aos 150 dias após o transplantio. A aplicação exógena de 20 µM de H2O2 reduz o efeito deletério da salinidade sobre o diâmetro do caule do porta-enxerto e do enxerto das plantas de graviola irrigadas com água de 1,6 dS m-¹. A aplicação exógena de 20 µM de H2O2 não é eficiente em mitigar os danos causados pela salinidade sobre o diâmetro do caule no ponto de enxertia de gravioleira.

Physiological changes and growth of soursop plants under irrigation with saline water and H2O2 in post-grafting phase / Alterações fisiológicas e crescimento de gravioleira cultivadas com águas salinas e H2O2 na fase pós-enxertia

The low availability of water associated with high salt concentrations in irrigation water has become one of the leading challenges for agricultural production in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Thus, the study of strategies to enable the use of saline water in agriculture is essential. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate alterations in gas exchange, chloroplast pigments, and cell damage in soursop (Anonna muricata L.) irrigated with saline water and under exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the post-grafting phase. A study was conducted in Campina Grande, PB, under greenhouse conditions. The treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of four levels of electrical conductivity of water (ECw; 1.6; 2.4; 3.2 and 4.0 dS m-¹) and two concentrations of H2O2 (0 and 20 µM) with four replications. Irrigation water salinity from 1.6 dS m-¹ caused changes in the stomatal conductance, respiration, and internal CO2 concentration of soursop plants. A 20 µM concentration of H2O2 reduced the effects of salinity on transpiration and CO2 assimilation values, in addition to promoting the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments and reducing cell damage in soursop plants, at 150 days after transplantation. The exogenous application of 20 µM H2O2 reduced the deleterious effects of salinity on the stem diameter of both rootstock and scion in soursop plants irrigated with ECw of 1.6 dS m-¹. The exogenous application of 20 µM H2O2 was not efficient in mitigating the damage caused by salinity on the stem diameter of the soursop at grafting point.(AU)

A baixa disponibilidade da água associada as altas concentrações de sais da água de irrigação, tornou-se um dos principais desafios para produção agrícola no semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro. Dessa forma, o estudo de estratégias para viabilizar o uso da água salina na agricultura é fundamental. Assim, objetivou se com a pesquisa avaliar alterações nas trocas gasosas, pigmentos cloroplastídicos e danos celular em gravioleira (Anonna muricata L.) na fase pós-enxertia irrigada com águas salinas e aplicação exógena de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2). A pesquisa foi conduzida em condições de casa de vegetação em Campina Grande-PB. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, sendo constituídos de quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (1,6;2,4; 3,2 e 4,0 dS m-¹) e duas concentrações de H2O2 (0 e 20 µM), com quatro repetições. A salinidade da água de irrigação a partir de 1,6 dS m-¹ causa alterações na condutância estomática, transpiração e concentração interna de CO2 das plantas de gravioleira. A concentração de 20 µM de H2O2 mitigou os efeitos da salinidade sobre a transpiração e taxa de assimilação de CO2, além de promover a biossíntese dos pigmentos fotossintéticos e reduzir o dano celular a gravioleira, aos 150 dias após o transplantio. A aplicação exógena de 20 µM de H2O2 reduz o efeito deletério da salinidade sobre o diâmetro do caule do porta-enxerto e do enxerto das plantas de graviola irrigadas com água de 1,6 dS m-¹. A aplicação exógena de 20 µM de H2O2 não é eficiente em mitigar os danos causados pela salinidade sobre o diâmetro do caule no ponto de enxertia de gravioleira.(AU)

Arabidopsis SCO Proteins Oppositely Influence Cytochrome c Oxidase Levels and Gene Expression during Salinity Stress.

SCO (synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase) proteins are involved in the insertion of copper during the assembly of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the final enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Two SCO proteins, namely, homolog of copper chaperone 1 and 2 (HCC1 and HCC2) are present in seed plants, but HCC2 lacks the residues involved in copper binding, leading to uncertainties about its function. In this study, we performed a transcriptomic and phenotypic analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana plants with reduced expression of HCC1 or HCC2. We observed that a deficiency in HCC1 causes a decrease in the expression of several stress-responsive genes, both under basal growth conditions and after applying a short-term high salinity treatment. In addition, HCC1 deficient plants show a faster decrease in chlorophyll content, photosystem II quantum efficiency and COX levels after salinity stress, as well as a faster increase in alternative oxidase capacity. Notably, HCC2 deficiency causes opposite changes in most of these parameters. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis indicated that both proteins are able to interact. We postulate that HCC1 is a limiting factor for COX assembly during high salinity conditions and that HCC2 probably acts as a negative modulator of HCC1 activity through protein-protein interactions. In addition, a direct or indirect role of HCC1 and HCC2 in the gene expression response to stress is proposed.