Tolerance mechanisms and metabolomic profiling of Kosteletzkya pentacarpos in saline environments

Mircea, Diana-Maria; Gonzalez-Orenga, Sara; Sanchez-Moreiras, Adela; Diaz-Tielas, Carla; Ferrer-Gallego, P. Pablo; Mir, Ricardo; Prohens, Jaime; Vicente, Oscar; Boscaiu, Monica

doi:10.1016/j.stress.2025.100856

Abstract

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is a halophyte with significant potential for ecological restoration and phytoremediation in saline environments. This study investigated the growth, biochemical responses, metabolomic profiling and seed germination of plants under increasing sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations from 0 to 0.3 M. Several vegetative growth parameters (plant height and root length, among others) along with some reproductive traits (flower and fruit number, seed production and germination rates), were determined. Treatment with high NaCl concentrations provoked a significant inhibition of growth. Germination tests revealed that seeds were affected by the highest salt concentrations tested, starting with 0.15 M NaCl and that seeds from plants exposed to 0.05 M NaCl exhibited higher germination rates than seeds germinated without salt. Significant alterations in ionic balance were detected, including increased sodium and chloride accumulation and potassium retention. The levels of osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde) increased under salt treatment conditions. A metabolomic profile of K. pentacarpos is presented for the first time, providing key insights into metabolites involved in salinity responses. The metabolomic profiling revealed significant changes in carbohydrates, amino acids, and other metabolites, suggesting metabolic reprogramming to mitigate salinity stress. This study emphasises K. pentacarpos adaptive mechanisms, including osmoprotectant accumulation, ionic regulation and metabolomic adjustments, to tolerate moderate salinity. Understanding these responses is essential for advancing the use of K. pentacarpos in saline agriculture and environmental management.

Keywords

Halophyte; Salt tolerance; Growth; Germination; Metabolomics

Published in

Plant Stress
2025, volume: 16, article number: 100856
Publisher: ELSEVIER

SLU Authors

González Orenga, Sara
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Polytechnic University of Valencia
- University of Vigo

UKÄ Subject classification

Botany
Environmental Sciences and Nature Conservation

Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2025.100856

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/141710