Analysis of germination characteristics and metabolome of in response to saline-alkali stress.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the seed germination characteristics and metabolic response mechanisms of under saline-alkali stress, with the goal of elucidating its physiological and molecular mechanisms of salt-alkali tolerance.

METHODS

It was systematically analyzed the germination characteristics of four germplasm resources (YSZ, XHZ, Shoulu, and Longzhong 1) from different origins with various concentrations of individual salts (NaCl, NaSO, NaHCO) and compound saline-alkali stress treatments. Additionally, the metabolite changes in the domesticated species under saline-alkali stress were examined using metabolomics technology.

RESULTS

The results indicated that low concentrations of NaCl stress did not significantly inhibit the germination of seeds; rather, it promoted germination to some extent. In contrast, high concentrations of NaHCO and compound saline-alkali stress significantly inhibited both seed germination and seedling growth. The germination characteristics of germplasm resources from different sources exhibit variability under saline-alkali stress. Domesticated species demonstrated strong tolerance to salt-alkali conditions. Metabolomic analyses indicated that saline-alkali stress significantly impacts key metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, sugar metabolism, and lipid metabolism in sprouts, with a notable increase in the accumulation of amino acids and their derivatives. Correlation analyses revealed that amino acids such as L-arginine, histidine, and glutamine are significantly positively correlated with germination rate and root length, suggesting that these amino acids play a crucial role in 's response to saline-alkali stress.

DISCUSSION

This study provided a new theoretical foundation for understanding the salt-alkali tolerance mechanisms of and serves as an important reference for breeding salt-alkali tolerant forage varieties and for the ecological restoration of saline-alkali land.