Search Results (2,222)

Salinity is a major constraint for lettuce production, affecting plant growth, physiological status, and market quality. This study evaluated the combined effects of increasing salinity levels (S₀: non-saline control; S₃₀, S₆₀, and S₁₂₀ mM NaCl) and Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on morphological, physiological, and quality-related traits of lettuce. Increasing salinity levels resulted in significant reductions in growth-related parameters, particularly leaf area, shoot biomass, root volume, and cutting resistance (CR), with the most pronounced decreases observed at S₁₂₀. In contrast, several physiological and quality-related parameters showed different response patterns. Membrane stability index (MSI) and chlorophyll index remained relatively stable across salinity treatments, while total soluble solids (C) increased with increasing salinity, indicating osmotic adjustment under stress conditions. Leaf color parameters showed reductions in lightness and chroma at higher salinity levels, suggesting structural and optical changes in leaves rather than severe pigment degradation. The effects of Trichoderma on plant growth were limited and did not consistently mitigate growth reductions under salinity. However, inoculation influenced several physiological and quality-related traits, including MSI and TSS, indicating a role in physiological regulation and stress adaptation rather than direct growth promotion. Multivariate analyses indicated that salinity was the main factor contributing to treatment separation, whereas Trichoderma application influenced the overall trait profile without consistently increasing growth parameters. Overall, the results suggest that under saline conditions, Trichoderma may contribute to stress tolerance and physiological stability rather than directly increasing plant growth, and its effectiveness depends on stress severity. Full article

Soil salinity severely constrains strawberry production by disrupting ion homeostasis and provoking oxidative injury. This study investigated whether soluble silicon (Si) and activated carbon (AC) act to enhance salt tolerance in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). Under NaCl stress, plants showed pronounced growth inhibition, increased Na⁺ accumulation and a deteriorated K⁺/Na⁺ balance, accompanied by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. In contrast, combined AC + Si treatment consistently provided the strongest protection, improving seedling vigor and survival. Relative to NaCl alone, AC + Si increased shoot and root fresh weight by 67.5% and 78.5%, reduced shoot Na⁺ by 59.1%, and lowered shoot H₂O₂ and MDA by 62.6% and 66.5%, respectively, indicating marked improvement in ion–redox homeostasis. Beyond plant responses, AC-containing treatments alleviated salt-induced increases in soil electrical conductivity, coinciding with a clear restructuring of the rhizosphere bacterial community and enrichment of putatively beneficial taxa. Transcriptome profiling further supported coordinated reprogramming of ion transport, redox control and stress-responsive signaling pathways under the AC + Si regime. Collectively, the results indicated that Si and AC co-application enhances strawberry salt tolerance through an integrated soil–plant–microbiome mechanism that stabilizes ion homeostasis and reinforces redox homeostasis. Full article

Aeromonas hydrophila is a major seafood-borne pathogen capable of persisting under preservative-associated stress by entering a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, thereby evading culture-based detection. Here, untargeted metabolomics was applied as the primary analytical approach to elucidate metabolic reprogramming during VBNC formation under seafood-relevant preservation conditions. Cells were incubated at 4 °C for 30 days in sodium benzoate-supplemented saline, comparing 0.85% NaCl (culturable condition) and 4% NaCl (VBNC-inducing condition), with sampling every 6 days. Under 4% NaCl with sodium benzoate, culturability declined from 6.18 log CFU/mL at day 0 to undetectable levels by day 30, while cell viability was retained, confirming VBNC induction. UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS profiling detected over 893 intracellular metabolic features, of which 518 metabolites were significantly altered between VBNC and culturable states at day 30. Principal component analysis revealed clear, time-dependent metabolic divergence, with the VBNC trajectory explaining 34.4% (PC1) and 11.5% (PC2) of total variance. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated significant remodeling of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (8/28 hits, FDR = 5.7 × 10⁻⁴); arginine biosynthesis (5/14 hits, FDR = 5.44 × 10⁻³); purine metabolism (10/70 hits, FDR = 8.34 × 10⁻³); and pyrimidine metabolism (7/39 hits, FDR = 1.35 × 10⁻²), indicating nitrogen conservation and metabolic downshifting. A robust biomarker panel, including depleted cyclic AMP, aminoadipic acid, hypotaurine, O6-CM-dG, and betaine, and enriched urocanic acid, pipecolic acid, proline, azelaic acid, and orcinol perfectly discriminated VBNC from culturable cells. These findings demonstrate that sodium benzoate-based preservation can induce a metabolically reprogrammed VBNC state in A. hydrophila, highlighting a hidden food safety risk beyond culture-based assessment. Full article

Huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae) is a pseudocereal native to Mesoamerica, traditionally consumed as a nutrient-rich food and characterized by its adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, including salt stress. This study evaluated the effects of four NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM) on plant morphology and nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B) and Na in leaves, stems, inflorescences, and seeds of three native huauzontle genotypes. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with a split-plot arrangement and 12 replications. Applications of 200 and 300 mM NaCl delayed harvest and reduced seed weight, while plant height, fresh and dry biomass of stems, leaves, and inflorescences were progressively decreased as NaCl concentrations increased. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) clearly differentiated genotypes and grouped NaCl treatments into distinct clusters, revealing different nutrient partitioning patterns among plant organs. Nutrient accumulation varied according to organ and salinity level; leaves showed reduced N, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe concentrations, whereas Cu and Mn concentrations increased. Huauzontle exhibited high salinity tolerance, maintaining growth and development at NaCl concentrations up to 300 mM. These findings highlight the potential of huauzontle as a resilient and nutritionally valuable crop for cultivation under saline conditions. Full article

Soil salinization is a major threat to global crop production. Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), valued for its hardiness in marginal environments, provides an excellent system for studying plant salt tolerance. Using an integrated multi-omics approach, we deciphered the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptional responses of Tartary buckwheat to prolonged NaCl stress. Physiological profiling confirmed membrane damage alongside osmotic adjustment via proline accumulation and a phased antioxidant response. Metabolomics revealed extensive reprogramming, with dynamic enrichment in pathways of flavonoid biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and the TCA cycle. Transcriptomics delineated a time-specific cascade from early signaling to late defense activation. Critical regulators within ABA and MAPK signaling pathways showed fine-tuned, divergent expression; for instance, SnRK2.3 was suppressed while specific PP2Cs were induced, and FtMAPK10 was dramatically up-regulated. Integrated analysis demonstrated coordinated induction of osmoprotectant synthesis (e.g., galactinol and betaine pathways) and a rewiring of central carbon metabolism. Our findings reveal a sophisticated, multi-layered adaptation strategy in Tartary buckwheat, integrating enhanced osmolyte production, antioxidant defense, membrane remodeling, and metabolic reprogramming, orchestrated by key signaling networks. This study provides a comprehensive molecular framework for salt tolerance and identifies valuable genetic targets for improving crop resilience. Full article

This study investigates the inhibitory effects of alkali metal chlorides lithium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride (LiCl, NaCl, and KCl) on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) foams, focusing on the transition from interfacial to bulk-driven destabilization mechanisms. The research demonstrates that foam collapse at high electrolyte concentrations is governed by a massive increase in bulk cohesive pressure and specific ion-pairing (SIP), which leads to interfacial dehydration and the mechanical decoupling of the surface from the bulk phase. It is shown that while surface adsorption reaches a plateau, the thermodynamic state of the solvent becomes the primary driver for film drainage. The results indicate that KCl acts as the most potent defoamer due to its optimal matching of water affinities with the surfactant head groups. These findings provide a new theoretical framework for understanding foam stability in concentrated electrolytic environments, emphasizing the role of bulk cohesive stress over traditional interfacial elasticity. Full article

To elucidate the cooperative regulatory mechanisms underlying Paraburkholderia sp. GD17-mediated salt tolerance in cucumber plants. Hydroponically grown cucumber plants were inoculated with GD17 and subsequently subjected to NaCl treatment. Physiological, biochemical parameters, as well as gene expression profiles, were comprehensively analyzed. GD17 inoculation significantly improved plant growth, developmental performance, and salinity tolerance. Under salt stress, GD17-inoculated plants exhibited higher leaf nutrient contents compared to non-inoculated controls, particularly an elevated K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, which was closely associated with the upregulated expression of Na⁺ extrusion-related genes. A substantial increase in proline content and the corresponding biosynthesis-related gene expression indicated that enhanced osmoprotectant synthesis played a critical role in GD17-conferred salt tolerance. Phytohormone levels and their signaling-related gene expression were also significantly upregulated in GD17-inoculated plants under salt stress. Moreover, transcription factor gene expression was markedly increased in GD17-treated plants following salt exposure. GD17 inoculation alleviated salt-induced photosynthetic inhibition, as demonstrated by improved photosynthetic efficiency and reduced suppression of photosynthesis-related gene expression. Transcriptional profiling further revealed that starch degradation, photorespiration, and the pentose phosphate pathway were crucial for GD17-mediated salt tolerance. Reduced oxidative damage, driven by enhanced antioxidative activity, further contributed to the observed protective mechanisms. This study demonstrates that the application of Paraburkholderia sp. GD17 concurrently enhances cucumber growth and salinity tolerance, effectively resolving the trade-off between growth and defense. Multi-level analyses provided comprehensive mechanistic insights into these synergistic effects. Full article

Salt stress severely restricts grape (Vitis vinifera L.) production. Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins, as a class of RNA-binding proteins, play important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of VvSR34a in grape salt tolerance remain unclear. In this study, grape callus and cutting seedlings were used as materials to explore the role and molecular mechanism of VvSR34a in grape salt stress response. The results showed that, under 100 mM NaCl treatment, the relative level of VvSR34a in grape callus exhibited a ‘first increase and then decrease’ pattern, reaching a peak at 2 h, and the gene was localized in the nucleus. Transgenic experiments confirmed that the overexpression of VvSR34a significantly enhanced salt tolerance in grape callus and cuttings, as evidenced by better growth status, higher chlorophyll content and root activity, as well as lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) content under salt stress. In contrast, the silencing of VvSR34a significantly increased salt sensitivity in grapes. Y2H and LCI assays verified that VvSR34a physically interacts with VvCOP9. VvCOP9 may play a negative regulatory role in the salt stress response of the grapevine, and through the loss of the high salt-tolerant phenotype in the VvSR34a/VvCOP9-RNAi lines, it demonstrated that VvCOP9 is genetically upstream of VvSR34a. Furthermore, the ubiquitination and degradation assay demonstrated that VvCOP9 can significantly promote the degradation of VvSR34a. RNA-seq analysis showed that a total of 2834 differentially expressed genes and 202 alternative splicing events were detected in VvSR34a overexpression lines. These differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in ATPase activity, redox and hormone signaling pathways. This study demonstrates that VvSR34a positively regulates salt tolerance in grapes, providing an important theoretical basis for molecular breeding of salt-tolerant grapevines. Full article

Groundwater is the primary source of irrigation in many semi-arid hard-rock aquifer regions. Yet, its suitability assessment is often hindered by the nonlinear hydrochemical dynamics that traditional bivariate tools, such as the U.S. Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram, cannot adequately resolve. To overcome this limitation, we developed an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) framework that predicts irrigation suitability categories directly from hydrochemical variables, without relying on calculated indices. Using 1872 post-monsoon groundwater samples from Telangana, India, we trained three ensemble tree-based classifiers (Random Forest, LightGBM, and XGBoost) on 11 hydrochemical variables (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃⁻, Cl⁻, F⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, pH, and total hardness). Class imbalance was addressed using the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), and model hyperparameters were optimized with Optuna. Among the tested models, LightGBM achieved the best performance (balanced accuracy = 0.938). Model interpretability was enabled using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), supported by Piper and Gibbs diagrams, revealing a critical distinction between sodicity-driven salinity and hardness-driven mineralization, identifying calcium-saturated waters for which gypsum amendment can be chemically futile. To bridge the gap between algorithmic accuracy and operational simplicity, we distilled SHAP explanations into linear heuristics and quantified the trade-off between accuracy and simplicity. Accordingly, we proposed a tiered hydrochemical triage framework in which quantitative heuristics handled approximately 62.5% of the routine samples, while XAI resolved the complex and ambiguous cases. Overall, the proposed framework transforms classic suitability assessment tools into an adaptable, evidence-informed, proactive decision-support system for sustainable agricultural water management under increasing environmental stress. Full article

This study investigates the mechanical behavior of molybdenum tailings (MT) concrete circular specimens under combined chloride salt dry–wet cycling and high-temperature exposure, simulating post-fire conditions in corrosive environments. A total of 50 circular cross-sectional specimens were fabricated with varying concrete strength grades (C30 and C40), MT replacement ratios (0–100%), and exposure conditions (NaCl solutions: 20,000 and 50,000 mg/L; temperature: ambient/400 °C). Axial compression experiments were conducted to evaluate their performance. Analysis of mass change rates and post-cycling phenomena indicated that MT content significantly influenced mass variation, with the 100% MT group having a 2.3 times higher mass increase than the 0% MT group. Especially, under coupled conditions, compared with the 0% MT control group, the 25% MT group showed a 28.6% increase in peak stress, 8.3% reduction in peak strain, 12.1% rise in Elastic modulus, and 13.3% decrease in Poisson’s ratio, confirming that MT incorporation mitigates coupled strength degradation. Two failure modes were identified: end-cone failure and overall splitting failure. Chloride salt corrosion markedly reduced the load-bearing capacity of the specimens, decreasing both their peak displacement and peak strain. Furthermore, peak strain decreased as the molybdenum tailings replacement ratio increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that dry–wet cycling prior to high-temperature exposure promoted hydration product densification, indicating a partial enhancement of hydration reactions and consequent strength improvement. Although high-temperature exposure degraded the strength of MT concrete, the incorporation of MT mitigated this weakening effect. The relationship between the peak stress of concrete and its axial compressive strength under the coupled effects of MT replacement ratio and NaCl solution concentration has been established via fitting. This study reveals the coupled damage mechanism, verifying the mitigating effect of MT on coupled chloride-thermal damage, and establishing a validated bearing capacity prediction model, which provides a valuable reference for assessing the behavior of MT concrete circular specimens subjected to salt corrosion and elevated temperatures. Full article

Soil salinization is a major constraint on irrigated rice cultivation, mainly due to poor irrigation management and cropping in coastal areas. Seed priming is widely recognized as a cost-effective and practical approach to enhance early growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stresses, including salinity. This study evaluated the effects of seed priming of rice seeds from two cultivars, BRS Querência (Indica) and BRS 358 (Japonica), using aqueous carrot root extract at 0% (water), 25%, and 50% concentrations for 48 h. Seeds were sown in rhizotrons and exposed to 0, 75, or 150 mM NaCl. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits were evaluated at 21 days after sowing. Seed priming with carrot extract was associated with improved growth and physiological responses under salinity stress. Under 150 mM NaCl, primed seedlings showed approximately 40% higher chlorophyll index, 35% greater root volume, and 30% higher shoot dry mass compared to unprimed controls. The 25% extract concentration was particularly effective for BRS Querência, which showed enhanced root elongation and a higher nitrogen balance index. Activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase increased by 45–70%, while hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels decreased by approximately 50%, suggesting enhanced antioxidant responses and improved redox balance. Anthocyanin accumulation also increased in specific cultivar–treatment combinations, suggesting a potential effect on secondary metabolism and antioxidant pathways. Overall, carrot-based seed priming was associated with improved seedling performance, pigment stability, and regulation of oxidative stress under saline conditions. These results suggest that carrot-based seed priming may improve physiological performance under salinity stress. Full article

Background: Sulfate transporters (SULTRs) are integral membrane proteins responsible for sulfate uptake, translocation, and plant adaptation to abiotic stresses. However, knowledge regarding the SULTR gene family in the economically important crop, Brassica rapa (Chinese cabbage), limited. The aim of this study is to conduct a genome-wide identification and functional characterization of BrSULTR genes and to explore their potential functions under abiotic stress. Methods: We identified 19 BrSULTR genes in the B. rapa genome by performing homology searches with Arabidopsis thaliana SULTR sequences as queries. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis included phylogenetic classification, chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved motif dissection, cis-regulatory element prediction, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Tissue-specific expression profiles of BrSULTRs were assessed using publicly available transcriptome data. Furthermore, their expression dynamics under salt (150 mM NaCl) and low-temperature (4 °C) stress were investigated by integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and qRT-PCR data. Results: The 19 identified BrSULTR members were phylogenetically categorized into four subfamilies and were mapped unevenly across seven chromosomes. Promoter analysis identified an array of cis-regulatory elements associated with development, hormone response, and stress response. Expression profiles revealed distinct tissue-specific patterns in roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and siliques. Under salt stress, BrSULTR13 was significantly upregulated, while BrSULTR9 and BrSULTR11 were significantly suppressed under low-temperature stress. PPI network projection indicated that the Arabidopsis homologs of BrSULTR5 may physically interact with stress-regulating enzymes such as APS and APR. Conclusions: Our work presents a comprehensive genomic and functional overview of the BrSULTR gene family in B. rapa. The results underscore the potential functions of BrSULTRs, highlighting their involvement in sulfate transport and abiotic stress responses. These insights establish valuable insights and a foundation for further research aiming at improving stress tolerance in B. rapa through the manipulation of sulfur metabolism pathways. Full article

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a long-established biotechnological approach gaining renewed interest for its ability to enhance nutrient availability and improve the functional properties of agro-industrial by-products. This strategy is particularly relevant for early post-weaning piglets, which are highly susceptible to weaning stress due to an immature digestive system and a gut microbiota not yet adapted to solid feed. In this study, the fermentation parameters of flaxseed cake were optimized using a Plackett–Burman experimental design. Protease activity was selected as the response variable due to its relevance for improving protein degradation and potential digestibility in fermented feed ingredients. Accordingly, based on the statistical analysis, the conditions selected for the in vivo trial were 1% molasses, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.05% CaCl₂, 0.5% NaCl, 7.5% inoculum (4.12 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), 60% moisture, and 72 h fermentation. Fermentation time was identified as the main factor positively influencing protease production, while higher CaCl₂ concentrations and inoculum levels negatively affected enzyme activity. Optimization increased protease activity, microbial viability and free amino acid content. In addition, SSF reorganizes the carbohydrate profile by reducing structural fiber fractions, with neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreasing by 27% and 29%, respectively, while simultaneously increasing soluble carbohydrates by 14.67%. Phytic acid content being also reduced by 23.81%. A pilot nutritional trial on post-weaned piglets (35 days old) showed that including 8% fermented flaxseed cakes (FFSC group) improved body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and diarrhea score, without affecting average daily feed intake, compared with 8% unfermented flaxseed cakes (FSC group). These performance improvements were accompanied by changes in fermentation metabolites and gut microbial composition. Lower isovalerate concentrations suggested reduced proteolysis, while higher propionate levels may contribute to increased blood glucose availability in the FFSC group. These changes coincided with a shift in microbial composition, characterized by a reduced abundance of methanogenic archaea and increased abundances of taxa such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and members of the Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae families. Full article

Background/Objectives: Salinity stress limits agricultural production and threatens global food security. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important legume crop, and identifying salt-stress-responsive genes may support an improvement in salt response. This study aimed to identify intronless genes in faba bean, screen candidate genes associated with salt-stress responses, and develop a KASP marker for salt-response evaluation. Methods: Intronless genes were identified from the faba bean reference genome. Transcriptome analysis was conducted in roots and leaves of two cultivars, Sucan 4 and Yundou 1183, under 150 mM NaCl treatment and control conditions. Candidate genes were examined by expression analysis, functional annotation, PPI prediction, and a luciferase complementation assay. A KASP marker was developed from an SNP within the VfERF1A locus and tested in 97 accessions. Results: A total of 7581 intronless genes were identified, accounting for 20.69% of annotated genes. Fifteen intronless genes were significantly differentially expressed in both roots and leaves of the two cultivars under salt treatment. Functional annotation suggested that VfERF1A and VfHSP17.8 may be involved in salt-stress responses. PPI prediction and the LUC assay provided preliminary support for a possible association of VfERF1A with VfEIN2. The VfERF1A-based KASP marker showed clear genotype clustering, and the two homozygous classes differed significantly in QYmax, relative shoot fresh weight, and relative plant height under salt treatment (p < 0.05). The preliminary predictive accuracy for QYmax was 86.36%. Conclusions: These results provide a genome-wide resource of intronless genes in faba bean, identify candidate genes associated with salt-stress responses, and describe a preliminary KASP marker associated with salt-response traits. Further validation in independent populations, under diverse environmental conditions, and with additional functional evidence is still required. Full article

Salt stress is a critical abiotic constraint affecting wheat yield and quality. In this study, we employed pot experiments under controlled salinity (2.8‰ NaCl) and multi-omics approaches to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying grain quality formation in a strong-gluten wheat variety, Jinan 17. Key findings revealed that salt stress caused a significant 41.27% reduction in 1000-kernel weight, while protein content increased by 13.82%. However, bread volume and bread score were reduced by 16.85% and 13.08%, respectively. Multi-omics integration uncovered that salt stress repressed the expression of starch synthesis-related genes (e.g., TraesCS2A03G0349200), diverting carbon skeletons toward amino acid metabolism pathways. This metabolic reprogramming disrupted the glutenin/gliadin ratio (down 14.35%), with high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) synthesis being suppressed, while low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) and gliadin accumulated by 19.28% and 24.76%, respectively, forming a “high extensibility but low elasticity” gluten network. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identified significant upregulation of arginine metabolism genes (e.g., TraesCS6A03G0029900), which enhanced osmolyte biosynthesis and exacerbated carbon–nitrogen partitioning imbalances. This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of flour quality deterioration under saline conditions and identifies critical regulatory nodes for simultaneous improvement of starch synthesis and gluten network architecture in salt-affected wheat breeding programs. Full article