Natural variation in growth and leaf ion homeostasis in response to salinity stress in Panicum hallii

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1019169
• Publication Date: 2022-10-07T06:01:46Z
• Authors: Taslima Haque; Govinal Badiger B...; Jun Yin; Jason Bonnette; Thomas E. Juenger
• Keywords: Local adaptation

Soil salinity can negatively impact plants growth, development and fitness. Natural plant populations restricted to coastal environments may evolve in response saline habitats therefore provide insights into the process of adaptation. We investigated growth physiological responses inland Panicum hallii experimental treatments. Coastal genotypes demonstrated less reduction superior ion homeostasis compared conditions, supporting a hypothesis local identified several QTL associated with plasticity belowground biomass, leaf sodium potassium content, their ratio which underscores genetic variation present this species for responses. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis root tissue revealed specific overexpression genes including cation transporters genotype. These mediate compartmentalization retention thus suggests that maintenance ionic might be due regulation these transporters. findings contribute our understanding genetics molecular mechanisms adaptation natural populations, widens scope manipulation candidate design more resilient climate change.