Effects of salt-alkali stress on active oxygen metabolism in roots of Spiraea × bumalda 'Gold Mound' and Spiraea × bumalda 'Gold Flame'

Under artificially-simulated complex salt-alkali stress, the levels of active oxygen metabolism in roots were studied using three-year-old cutting seedlings of Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Mound＇ and Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Flame＇. The present study aimed at exploring the antioxidant capacity in roots of spiraeas and revealing their adaptability to salt-alkali stress. Results indicate that the oxygen free radicals contents, electrolyte leakage rates and MDA contents in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ＇Gold Mound＇ and Spiraea × bumalda ＇Gold Flame＇ show an increasing tendency with the increases of the salinity and pH value, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD） and catalase （CAT） all increased firstly and then decreased. With the increase in intensity of salt-alkali stress, the CAT activity in roots of Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Flame＇ is higher and the increasing extents in the oxygen free radicals contents, electrolyte leakage rates as well as MDA contents are lower compared with Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Mound＇, indicating that Spiraea × bumalda ‘Gold Flame＇ has a stronger antioxidant capacity.

Effect of Alkali Stress on Soluble Sugar, Antioxidant Enzymes and Yield of Oat

Alkali stress can cause severe crop damage and reduce production. However, physiological processes involved in alkali stress in oat seedlings are not well understood. In this study, physiological responses and yield of oat to alkali stress were studied using the alkali-tolerant oat genotype Vao-9 and the alkali-sensitive oat genotype Baiyan 5. The results were： （i） low concentrations of alkali stress （25 and 50 mmol L^-1） significantly reduced the yield and grain weight while increased the oat grain number per spike. A negative correlation between yield and malondialdehyde （MDA） content at the jointing and grain filling stages and positive correlations between yield on one hand and superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and peroxidase （POD） activities on the other at the jointing stage were observed. There was a positive correlation between MDA and soluble sugar at the grain filling stage; （ii） soluble sugar content was increased at the jointing and grain filling stages and decreased at the heading stage by alkali stress; （iii） alkali stress increased the SOD activity during the heading and grain filling stages, and increased the POD activity at the heading stage. As compared to the control, the increase of MDA contents in alkali-treated oat was observed, during the jointing, heading and grain filling stages; （iv） under alkali stress, the oat genotype Vao-9 showed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and lower soluble sugar contents during the heading stage, and lower MDA contents than those in the oat genotype Baiyan 5 under alkali stress. The result suggested that the high ROS scavenging capacity and soluble sugar levels might play roles in oat response to alkali stress,

Comprehensive evaluation of tolerance to alkali stress by 17 genotypes of apple rootstocks

Alkaline soils have a great inlfuence on apple production in Northern China. Therefore, comprehensive evaluations of toler-ance to such stress are important when selecting the most suitable apple rootstocks. We used hydroponics culturing to test 17 genotypes of apple rootstocks after treatment with 1：1Na2CO3and NaHCO3. When compared with the normaly grown controls, stressed plants produced fewer new leaves, and had shorter roots and shoots and lower fresh and dry weights after 15 d of exposure to alkaline conditions. Their root/shoot ratios were also reduced, indicating that the roots had been severely damaged. For al stressed rootstocks, electrolyte leakage （EL） and the concentration of malondialdehyde （MDA） increased while levels of chlorophyl decreased. Changes in root activity （up or down）, as wel as the activities of peroxidase （POD）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and catalase （CAT） were rootstock-dependent, possibly relfecting their differences in alkali tolerance. Using alkali injury index （AI）, adversity resistance coefifcients （ARC）,cluster analysis, and evaluation of their physiological responses, we classiifed these 17 genotypes into three groups： （1） high tolerance： Hubeihaitang, Wushanbianyehaitang, Laoshanhaitang Ls2, Xiaojinbianyehaitang, and Fupingqiuzi; （2） moderate tolerance： Pingyitiancha, Laoshanhaitang Ls3, Hubeihaitang A1, Deqinhaitang, Balenghaitang, Maoshandingzi, Shandingzi, and Xinjiangyepingguo; or （3） low tolerance： Pingdinghaitang, Hongsanyehaitang, Xiaojinhaitang, and Sanyehaitang. These results wil signiifcantly contribute to the selection of the most suitable materials for rootstocks with desired levels of tolerance to alkali stress.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the effects of alkali stress on root system architecture and endogenous hormones in apple rootstocks

Soil alkalinity is a major factor that restricts the growth of apple roots.To analyze the response of apple roots to alkali stress, the root structure and endogenous hormones of two apple rootstocks, Malus prunifolia (alkali-tolerant) and Malus hupehensis (alkali-sensitive), were compared. To understand alkali tolerance of M. prunifolia at the molecular level, transcriptome analysis was performed. When plants were cultured in alkaline conditions for 15 d, the root growth of M. hupehensis with weak alkali tolerance decreased significantly. Analysis of endogenous hormone levels showed that the concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) in M. hupehensis under alkali stress were lower than those in the control. However, the trend for IAA and ZR in M. prunifolia was the opposite. The concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) in the roots of the two apple rootstocks under alkali stress increased, but the concentration of ABA in the roots of M. prunifolia was higher than that in M. hupehensis. The expression of IAA-related genes ARF5, GH3.6, SAUR36, and SAUR32 and the Cytokinin (CTK)-related gene IPT5 in M. prunifolia was higher than those in the control, but the expression of these genes in M. hupehensis was lower than those in the control. The expression of ABA-related genes CIPK1 and AHK1 increased in the two apple rootstocks under alkali stress, but the expression of CIPK1 and AHK1 in M. prunifolia was higher than in M. hupehensis. These results demonstrated that under alkali stress, the increase of IAA, ZR, and ABA in roots and the increase of the expression of related genes promoted the growth of roots and improved the alkali tolerance of apple rootstocks.

Effects of salt and alkali stress on Reaumuria soongorica germination

Seed germination and early seedling growth are crucial stages for plant establishment. Two neutral(Na Cl and Na2SO4) and two alkali(Na HCO3 and Na2CO3) salts were selected to investigate their effects on germination and recovery responses in Reaumuria soongorica. Results show that both salt types significantly reduced germination and radicle elongation. The rate of germination and emergence of R. soongorica seeds continuously decreased as salinity increased, and the time to achieve maximum germination rate was delayed. The speed of seed germination dropped rapidly as salt concentration increased.Alkaline salts restricted the germination rate of R. soongorica seeds, and stresses resulting from alkaline salts and high concentrations of neutral salts resulted in many deformed seedlings. The length of the radicle and germ decreased with increasing salt concentration, but certain concentrations of salt and increased p H promoted germ growth. The results of regression analysis show that salt concentration was the dominant factor inhibiting R. soongorica seed germination rate. Salinity, buffering capacity, and p H all affected embryo growth, but salinity had the most pronounced effect. Seed viability under highly saline conditions appears to be a better indicator of adaptation to saline environments than seed germination under saline conditions.

Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Glycine soja Roots Under Salinity and Alkalinity Stresses Using RNA-seq

Saline-alkaline stress can dramatically inhibit plant growth and limit crop production. Wild soybean （Glycine soja） is a crop that adapts well to such environmental stresses. In this study, RNA-sequencing technology was used to analyze the transcriptome profles of G. soja roots subjected to 50 mmol·L^-1 NaHCO3 and 150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl treatments. Totally, 2 125 differentially-expressed genes （DEGs） after NaCl treatment and 1 839 DEGs after NaHCO3 treatment were identifed. The top 14 DEGs revealed by RNA-seq were analyzed using qRT-PCR （quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction）. Gene ontology （GO） annotation showed that most of DEGs under salt and alkali stresses were enriched in ＂metabolic process＂, ＂catalytic activity＂ and ＂binding＂ terms. To search for transcription factors （TFs） among DEGs, the data were screened against TF database PlantTFDB, and it was found that fve TF families, Apetala2/ethylene-responsive element binding proteins （AP2-EREBP）, V-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog （MYB）, WRKYGQK and Zinc fnger motif （WRKY）, NAM, ATAF1/2, CUC1/2 （NAC） and Cys2/His2 （C2H2） were involved in salt stress response. Other fve TF families, NAC, WRKY, MYB, AP2-EREBP and bZIP were involved in response to alkali stress. These two stress treatments shared NAC, WRKY, AP2-EREBP and MYB, and the only two different TFs were bZIP and C2H2. Forty-eight MYB TFs were differentially expressed under salt and alkali stresses, and most of them were up-regulated. This study provided useful information for further investigation of DEGs and TFs in response to saline and alkaline stresses and helped in understanding the molecular basis of the response of G. soja to saline and alkaline stresses.

Effects of an ectomycorrhizal fungus on the growth and physiology of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings subjected to saline-alkali stress

This research investigates the mechanism of increased salinity tolerance of ectomycorrhizal fungiinoculated P. sylvestris var. mongolica to provide a theoretical basis for the application of the fungus in saline soils.Growth effects due to inoculation of seedlings with Suillus luteus(a symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungus), were determined in four kinds of saline–alkali soils. Growth and physiological indicators, including photosynthetic characteristics, plant height, biomass, photosynthetic pigments,catalase(CAT) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) enzyme levels, and malondialdehyde(MDA), an organic marker for oxidative stress, and soluble protein levels were determined. Mycorrhizal colonization rate decreased with increasing saline–alkalinity and growth of inoculated seedlings was significantly enhanced. Biomass and chlorophyll contents also increased significantly. SOD and CAT activities were higher than in non-inoculated seedlings. However, MDA content decreased in inoculatedseedlings. Soluble protein content did not increase significantly. Inoculation with a symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungus could enhance the saline–alkali tolerance of P. sylvestris var. mongolica. Growth and physiological performance of inoculated seedlings were significantly better than that of uninoculated seedlings. The results indicate that inoculated P. sylvestris var. mongolica seedlings may be useful in the improvement of saline–alkali lands.

Adaptive strategy of Nitraria sibirica to transient salt,alkali and osmotic stresses via the alteration of Na+/K+fluxes around root tips

Nitraria sibirica Pall.is an important shrub with a strong salt-alkali tolerance,but the mechanism underlying this tolerance remains obscure.In this study,N.sibirica,with salt-sensitive Vigna radiata(Linn.)Wilczek as the control,was subjected to transient salt stress(100 mM NaCl),alkali stress(50 mM Na_(2)CO_(3)),and osmotic stress(175 mM mannitol).The ionic fluxes of Na^(+)and K^(+)in the root apical region were measured.Results show that,under salt and alkali stress,N.sibirica roots exhibited higher capacities to limit Na+influx and reduce K+efflux,thereby resulting in lower Na^(+)/K^(+)ratios compared with V.radiata roots.Alkali stress induced stronger Na^(+)influx and K+efflux in the root salt stress treatment;Na^(+)influx was mainly observed in the root cap,while K^(+)efflux was mainly observed in the elongation zone.While under osmotic stress,N.sibirica roots showed stronger Na+efflux and weaker K+efflux than V.radiata roots.Na+efflux was mainly observed in the root elongation zone,while K+efflux was in the root cap.These results reveal the ionic strategy of N.sibirica in response to transient salt,alkali,and osmotic stresses through the regulation of Na+/K+flux homeostasis.

Osmotic Regulation of Betaine Content in Leymus chinensis Under Saline-alkali Stress and Cloning and Expression of Betaine Aldehyde Dehydrogenase(BADH) Gene

The potted Leymus chinensis seedlings were treated with saline-alkali solution of six different（from Ⅰ to Ⅵ） concentrations. The results demonstrate that the betaine content and Betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase（BADH： EC 1.2.1.8） activities have a direct relation with increased stressing time in the same treatment; both exhibit a single peak with increasing the concentration of saline-alkali solution, and number V shows the highest value. The BADH gene of Leyrnus chinensis was cloned by RT-PCR and RACE technology and was designated as LcBADH. The cDNA sequence of LcBADH was 1774bp including the open reading frame（ORF） of 1521bp（coding 506 amino acids）. The vector of prokaryotic expression was constructed by inserting the LcBADH gene fragmcnt into pET30a（＋） and transformed into E. coli BL21（DE3）. The result of SDS-PAGE shows that the idio-protein with a molecular mass of 56.78 kDa was effectively expressed in the recombinant bacteria induced by isopropyl fl-D-thiogalactoside（IPTG）.

Effect of Saline-alkali Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Oat

Neutral black soil was mixed with strong saline-alkali soil in different weight ratios, then physiological indexes during seed germination and seedling growth in soil of different ratios and the corresponding leaching liquor treatments were observed to explore effect of saline-alkali stress on oat seed germination and seedling growth, and analyze tolerance of oat to saline-alkali soil. The results showed that germination ability of oat seeds reduced with the increasing saline-alkali stress, salt injury index increased and seedling growth was inhibited. Effect of different saline-alkali stresses on germination ability of oat seeds showed difference, and effect of leaching liquor treatment on oat seed germination was stronger than that of soil treatment.

Effect of Acid and Alkali Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Caragana versicolor

With seeds of Caragana versicolor in Purang County, Tibet as the materials, the seed germination and seedling growth of C. versicolor were measured under acid and alkali stress, and the soil acidity and alkalinity for normal growth and development of C. versicolor were determined, so as to provide the theoretical basis for cultivation of C. versicolor in acidified or alkaline soil. The results showed that the seed germination of C. versicolor was promoted when treated by strong acid (pH 3) and strong alkali (pH 11) solutions, and the seedling effect was good. The results also indicated that C. versicolor was a kind of plant with strong acid and alkali resistance, suitable for cultivation in acid and alkali soil areas.

Genome-wide analysis of soybean DnaJA-family genes and functional characterization of GmDnaJA6 responses to saline and alkaline stress

Plant Dna JA proteins act as molecular chaperones in response to environmental stressors.The purpose of this study was to characterize the function and regulatory mechanisms of Dna JA genes in soybean.Gene expression profiles in various soybean tissues at various stages of development indicated that Gm Dna JAs function in the coordination of stress and plant hormone responses.Gm Dna JA6 was identified as a candidate regulator of saline and alkaline stress resistance and Gm Dna JA6 overexpression lines showed increased soybean saline and alkaline tolerance.Dna J interacted with Hsp70,and Gm Hsp70 increased the saline and alkaline tolerance of plants with chimeric soybean hairy roots.

Photoresponse Process and Model Comparison of Paeonia ludlowii under Saline-alkali Stress

The research aimed to analyze changes in photosynthetic characteristics of Paeonia ludlowii under saline-alkali stress, and annual seedlings of P. ludlowii were taken as the materials. Photoresponse process of P. ludlowii leaves under saline-alkali stress was simulated, and different models were used to fit photoresponse curve. The results showed that P n of P. ludlowii leaves showed the trend of first rising and then declining with PAR increased under saline-alkali stress;both G s and T r showed a rising trend with PAR increased;C i showed the trend of first declining and then rising with PAR increased. Photoresponse curve fitted by modified rectangular hyperbolic model had the best effect, and it was the optimal fitting model. P. ludlowii could adapt to saline-alkali stress in lower concentration, showing that P. ludlowii could be introduced and cultivated in saline-alkali land at a lower level.

Structural characterization of three acidic polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii Haw.fruits and their protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in Huh-7 cells

Three novel acidic polysaccharide fractions(OFPP-1,OFPP-2,OFPP-3)with different m olecular weights(803.7,555.1 and 414.5 k Da)were isolated from the peeled Opuntia dillenii Haw.fruits by alkali-extraction,graded alcohol precipitation and column chromatography.Structural analysis indicated that OFPPs were pectic polysaccharides consisting of rhamnose,arabinose and galactose residues.The backbone of OFPP-1 consisted of a repeating unit→6-α-D-Galp A-(1→2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→with T-α-D-Galp A-(1→6)-α-D-Galp A-(1→4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→,T-β-D-Xylp-(1→6)-α-D-Galp A-(1→4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→or T-α-D-Galp A-(1→3)-α-L-Araf-(1→as the side chains.The backbone of OFPP-2 consisted of a disaccharide repeating unit→2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→4)-β-D-Galp A-(1→with T-β-L-Araf-(1→as the branches substituted at the O-4 position of→2,4)-α-LRhap-(1→.Whereas the backbone of OFPP-3 was→2,4)-α-L-Rhap-(1→2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→3)-β-L-Araf-(1→or→2,4)-α-L-Rhap-(1→2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→4)-β-D-Galp A-(1→,which was branched at the O-4 position of→2,4)-α-L-Rhap-(1→.Moreover,these three polysaccharide fractions could protect Huh-7 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress to different extents by decreasing the MDA content and increasing the SOD,CAT,GSH-Px activities and the GSH level in the Huh-7 cells.These results suggest that OFPPs have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants.

Effects of neutral salt and alkali on ion distributions in the roots,shoots,and leaves of two alfalfa cultivars with differing degrees of salt tolerance

The effects of neutral salt and alkali on the ion distribution were investigated in two alfalfa （Medicago sativa L.） cultivars, including Zhongmu 1, a high salt-tolerant cultivar, and Algonquin, a low salt-tolerant cultivar. The alkali stress expressed more serious growth inhibition than the neutral salt stress at the same Na＋ concentration. Compared with Algonquin, Zhongmu 1 did not exhibit a higher alkali tolerance under the Na2CO3-NaHCO3 treatment with the low Na＋ concentration （50 mmol L-l）. The alkali increased the accumulation of Na＋, Ca2＋, and Mg2＋ in the root and changed the Ca2＋ and Mg2＋ balance in the entire alfalfa plant. The salt and alkali stresses decreased the K＋ and Fe3＋ contents of the roots and leaves, the root Mn2＋ content, and the shoot Zn2＋ content, but they increased the Fe3＋ accumulation of the shoots, the shoot and leaf Cu2＋ contents, and the leaf Zn2＋ content in both alfalfa cultivars. Based on the results obtained under the conditions of this experiment, we found that the salt and alkali stresses reduced the plant growth in both alfalfa cultivars, while the alkali caused a stronger stress than the neutral salt in alfalfa. Thus, we conclude that under hydroponic conditions, the deleterious effects of the alkali on plants are due to the distribution change of some trophic ion balance in the roots, shoots, and leaves of the plants by causing of Na＋, CO3^2-, and/or HCO3- stresses.

Physiologic and Transcriptomic Insights into the High Alkali Response of Dunaliella salina

The halophilic unicellular green alga Dunaliella salina is characterized as the distinct tolerance to high salt in the field.Normally the organism is concurrently subjected with salt and alkali stress,but the feature of D.salina in response to high alkali stress was not investigated before.In this study,we used high pH stress to simulate high alkali stress and found D.salina also showed tolerance to high alkali stress,even grown under pH at 11.0,with high cell density and chlorophyll biosynthesis.High-throughput transcriptome analysis revealed the dramatically different expression of genes associated with nitrogen metabolism,lipid andβ-carotene biosynthesis after high alkali treatment.Furthermore,physiologic analysis showed that high alkali treatment induced the expression and activity of nitrate reductase(NR),which generated nitric oxide(NO)as the messenger,and ultimately induced the accumulation of lipid andβ-carotene biosynthesis.Suppressing NR activity or NO generation also reduced high-alkali-induced lipid andβ-carotene biosynthesis,as well as attenuated the tolerance of D.salina to high alkali stress.Thus,our physiologic and transcriptomic data reveal the novel function of NR-dependent NO signal during the adaptation of D.salina to high alkali stress,through inducing the biosynthesis of lipid andβ-carotene biosynthesis.

盐碱胁迫对植物的影响及抗性机制研究进展

盐碱胁迫是仅次于干旱胁迫抑制植物生长发育的主要非生物胁迫之一,不仅影响植物的生长发育,而且对农业生产和生态环境造成严重威胁。研究植物的耐盐碱机制,对耐盐碱作物选育及盐碱地的开发利用具有重要的现实意义。结合近年来国内外的相关研究总结性阐述了盐碱胁迫对植物代谢的伤害(包括离子伤害、膜系统伤害、诱导渗透伤害等)机制,并从膜系统保护以及诱导基因表达方面综述了植物对盐碱胁迫的缓解机制,进而提出外源物质的导入、生物技术手段、耐盐碱品种培育是解决植物抗盐碱的主要手段。最后就植物适应盐碱胁迫方面的研究进行了展望,指出了当前研究者需要解决的问题和突破口,旨在为提高植物耐盐碱能力、增加作物产量提供一定的理论依据。

Physiological and Biochemical Changes of IrlVHA-c gene Transgenic Tobacco Seedlings and Self-crossed Progeny Under NaHCO_3 Stress

In order to study the alkali resistivity of VHA-c in Iris lacteal. （IrlVHA-c）, the transgenic tobacco seedlings harboring lrlVHA-c gene from Iris lactea （To）, the self-crossed progeny （T1）, and the non-transgenic lines of tobacco seedlings were grown in Hoagland nutrient solutions supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mmol.L^-1 NaHCO3. The MDA content, CAT, POD and SOD activity, electrical conductivity, chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, proline content and polyphenol oxidase activity of the seedlings were determined. The results showed that the transgenic lines of tobacco maintained a high activity up to 200 mmol.L^-1 NaHCO3, and activity was slightly lower at 300 mmol.L^-1 NaHCOa. When the concentration of NaHCO3 was as high as 400 mmol.L^-1 the seedlings were badly hurt. In addition, the activity of To and T1 transgentic tobacoo was maintained more or less. While the non- transgenic lines of tobacco could maintain viably up to 100 mmol. L^-1 NaHCO3, and they could not survive at 400 mmol. L^-1 NaHCO3. The conclusion was drawn that the alkali resistance of the tobacoo transformed IrlVHA-c was noticeably improved.

Structural Analysis and Optimal Design for Water Tube Panel in an Alkali Recovery Boiler

Alkali recovery aiming at recovering NaOH is the best available technology in China's pulp and paper industry;an alkali recovery boiler is a popular one among all alkali recovery units. For the purpose of designing the most reasonable tube-panel of an evaporator in a 1500 t/d alkali recovery boiler, a total of 8 kinds of cases are put forward for finite element analysis. The modeling, meshing and calculation are carried out for each case. The stress values and their distribution rules are revealed in this paper. The slotting size for the water tubes panel is analyzed by using the optimum design module of ANSYS. After all cases are compared with each other, the optimal one is developed and exemplified in conclusion.

水稻耐苏打盐碱性鉴定方法的研究进展

盐碱胁迫是影响水稻正常生长发育和产量形成的主要非生物因素之一。我国是世界第三大盐碱土国家,研究水稻耐盐碱性对于保障国家粮食安全具有重要战略意义。本文综述了国内外对水稻耐盐碱性鉴定和分级评价方法,系统介绍了苏打盐碱地分布及类型、苏打盐碱胁迫对水稻产量和品质的影响、水稻耐盐碱性鉴定方法等方面的研究进展,并进一步对水稻耐盐碱鉴定研究和标准规范进行了展望,以期为水稻耐盐碱性研究和耐盐碱水稻选育提供理论依据。