Response of Anatomical Structure and Active Component Accumulation in <i>Apocynum venetum</i> L. (Apocynaceae) Under Saline Stress and Alkali Stress
Soil salinization, affecting approximately 954 million hectares globally, severely impairs plant growth and agricultural productivity. <i>Apocynum venetum</i> L., a perennial herbaceous plant with ecological and economic value, demonstrates remarkable tolerance to saline and alkali soils...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Plants |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2223 |
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| Summary: | Soil salinization, affecting approximately 954 million hectares globally, severely impairs plant growth and agricultural productivity. <i>Apocynum venetum</i> L., a perennial herbaceous plant with ecological and economic value, demonstrates remarkable tolerance to saline and alkali soils. This study investigated the effects of saline (NaCl) and alkali (Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> and NaHCO<sub>3</sub>) stress on the growth, anatomical adaptations, and metabolite accumulation of <i>A. venetum</i> (<i>Apocynum venetum</i> L.). Results showed that alkali stress (100 mM Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> and 50 mM NaHCO<sub>3</sub>) inhibited growth more than saline stress (NaCl 240 mM), reducing plant height by 29.36%. Anatomical adaptations included a 40.32% increase in the root cortex-to-diameter ratio (100 mM Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> and 50 mM NaHCO<sub>3</sub>), a 101.52% enlargement of xylem vessel diameter (NaCl 240 mM), and a 68.69% thickening of phloem fiber walls in the stem (NaCl 240 mM), enhancing water absorption, salt exclusion, and structural support. Additionally, leaf palisade tissue densification (44.68% increase at NaCl 160 mM), along with epidermal and wax layer adjustments, balanced photosynthesis and water efficiency. Metabolic responses varied with stress conditions. Root soluble sugar content increased 49.28% at NaCl 160 mM. Flavonoid accumulation in roots increased 53.58% at Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> 100 mM and NaHCO<sub>3</sub> 50 mM, enhancing antioxidant defense. However, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency declined with increasing stress intensity. This study emphasizes the coordinated adaptations of <i>A. venetum</i>, providing valuable insights for the development of salt-tolerant crops. |
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| ISSN: | 2223-7747 |