Abstract
The Juncus rigidus is an obligatory halophyte and grows commonly in coastal and inland salt marshes, red swamps and lakes. In the present study, internal structure, water content (WC), ionic composition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) were investigated to elucidate the salinity tolerance mechanisms at different salt concentrations (0, 200 and 400 mM NaCl). Detailed anatomical studies showed that chlorenchyma tissue decreased by salinity as compared to control, while number of stomata and number of girders increased only at moderate salinity after 7 days. Vessels showed higher lignification in 200 mM and 400 mM NaCl treatments as compared to control. Na+ and Na+/K+ increased by increasing salt concentration, while P3+ and K+ decreased in all the treatments. Ca2+ and Mg2+ were found decreased with salinity after 14 days, while both increased after 30 days as compared to control. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and O2•− contents decreased at 400 mM NaCl only after 7 and 30 days, while H2O2 increased gradually. In general, guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities decreased gradually at salinity but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased. Salinity induced significant decrease in Catalase (CAT) activity only after 14 days. The photosynthetic pigments were observed higher at high salinity compared to control plants. The proline and soluble sugar contents were found more at high salinity.
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Acknowledgements
CSIR-CSMCRI communication no. is 196/2022. The authors are thankful for the CSIR (MLP0066), New Delhi, for financial help. Abd El-Maboud M.M is thankful for the TWAS-DBT (GDA 1003) for providing financial support.
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The authors are thankful for the CSIR (MLP0066), New Delhi, for financial help. Abd El-Maboud M.M is thankful for the TWAS-DBT (GDA 1003) for providing financial support.
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Abd El-Maboud, M.M., Mesara, S., Gangapur, D.R. et al. Adaptive responses of a threatened halophyte Juncus rigidus Desf. to salinity stress through anatomy, ionic composition and antioxidant modulations. Acta Physiol Plant 45, 115 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-023-03598-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-023-03598-5