Citrulline Regulates Photosynthesis, Water Relations, Redox Equilibrium, Ion Homeostasis, and Osmotic Adjustment to Lessen Alkaline Stress in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
摘要
Citrulline (CIT) mediates plant stress responses through osmoregulation and ROS detoxification, improving membrane integrity and nutrient acquisition. The specific mechanisms by which CIT promotes tolerance to alkaline stress remain unclear. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of CIT seed priming (1, 1.5, and 2.5 mM) in protecting sunflower plants from phytotoxicity induced by alkaline stress. In order to simulate alkaline stress the soil was watered at field capacity with Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in a 9 : 1 ratio to achieve 15 dS/m electrical conductivity. Alkaline stress reduced PSII efficiency, chlorophyll, leaf relative water content, and nutrient uptake due to increased oxidative damage. Alkaline stress increased levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), methylglyoxal (MG), leaf relative membrane permeability (LRMP), and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radicals (