Scholarlink

<p>Salinity, an escalating issue in arid and semiarid regions, poses a significant global threat to both agriculture and food security. To address the knowledge gap in mitigating salt stress effects on maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.), we assessed the separate and combined roles of melatonin and silicon (Si) in improving plant tolerance to sodium chloride (NaCl). Maize seeds were soaked in solutions of melatonin, Si, or a combination of both before being exposed to four different levels of NaCl salinity. We then assessed various parameters, including growth, water content, photosynthetic pigments, membrane integrity, nutrient metabolism (nitrate reductase and sulfite oxidase activities), mineral uptake, and sodium (Na⁺) accumulation. Macromolecular composition was also analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Salinity stress reduced plant growth, water content, and levels of photosynthetic pigments. It also compromised membrane stability, decreased the activity of key enzymes, and hindered the uptake of essential minerals. In addition, salinity led to an increase in Na<sup>+</sup> accumulation in both shoots and roots. Melatonin, Si, or their combination, however, significantly alleviated these negative effects. They accomplished this by boosting growth, restoring normal physiological functions, and improving the plant’s mineral balance. This included enhancing the uptake of essential minerals like potassium (K<sup>+</sup>), calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>), and magnesium (Mg<sup>2+</sup>) while reducing Na<sup>+</sup> accumulation. Additionally, these treatments modulated the macromolecular composition of the plants, with changes observed via FTIR in functional groups associated with phenolics, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Our findings demonstrate that melatonin and Si, whether used alone or in combination, effectively alleviate salinity stress in maize. They achieve this by bolstering the plant’s physiological and biochemical resilience. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that allow these treatments to be optimized for use in salt-affected agricultural systems.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Priming Seeds in Melatonin, Si, or their Combination Alleviated the Negative Effects of Salinity Stress on Maize

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月13日

查看全文
  • Hussein Kh Salam,
  • Raoof Sultan,
  • Afaf M. Hamada

摘要

Salinity, an escalating issue in arid and semiarid regions, poses a significant global threat to both agriculture and food security. To address the knowledge gap in mitigating salt stress effects on maize (Zea mays L.), we assessed the separate and combined roles of melatonin and silicon (Si) in improving plant tolerance to sodium chloride (NaCl). Maize seeds were soaked in solutions of melatonin, Si, or a combination of both before being exposed to four different levels of NaCl salinity. We then assessed various parameters, including growth, water content, photosynthetic pigments, membrane integrity, nutrient metabolism (nitrate reductase and sulfite oxidase activities), mineral uptake, and sodium (Na⁺) accumulation. Macromolecular composition was also analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Salinity stress reduced plant growth, water content, and levels of photosynthetic pigments. It also compromised membrane stability, decreased the activity of key enzymes, and hindered the uptake of essential minerals. In addition, salinity led to an increase in Na+ accumulation in both shoots and roots. Melatonin, Si, or their combination, however, significantly alleviated these negative effects. They accomplished this by boosting growth, restoring normal physiological functions, and improving the plant’s mineral balance. This included enhancing the uptake of essential minerals like potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) while reducing Na+ accumulation. Additionally, these treatments modulated the macromolecular composition of the plants, with changes observed via FTIR in functional groups associated with phenolics, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Our findings demonstrate that melatonin and Si, whether used alone or in combination, effectively alleviate salinity stress in maize. They achieve this by bolstering the plant’s physiological and biochemical resilience. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that allow these treatments to be optimized for use in salt-affected agricultural systems.