Tolerance Mechanisms and Metabolomic Profiling of Kosteletzkya pentacarpos in Saline Environments
Description
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is a halophyte with significant potential for ecological restoration and phytoremediation in saline environments. This study investigated the growth, biochemical response, metabolomic profiling and seed germination of plants under increasing sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations, from 0 to 0.3 M. Several growth parameters such as plant height, root length, fresh weight as well as reproductive traits were studied. Higher NaCl concentrations resulted in a significant reduction in morphological parameters. 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 from the control conditions. Levels of osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde) increased in response to salinity. Significant alterations in ionic balance, were also detected, including increased sodium and chloride accumulation and potassium retention. For the first time, a metabolomic analysis of K. pentacarpos is presented, providing key insights into the metabolites involved in salinity tolerance. The metabolomic profiling revealed significant changes in carbohydrates, amino acids, and other metabolites, suggesting metabolic reprogramming to mitigate salinity stress. This study emphasizes 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.