Maternal salinity influences anatomical parameters, pectin content, biochemical and genetic modifications of two Salicornia europaea populations under salt stress

Salicornia europaea is among the most salt-tolerant of plants, and is widely distributed in non-tropical regions. Here, we investigated whether maternal habitats can influence different responses in physiology and anatomy depending on environmental conditions. We studied the influence of maternal habitat on S. europaea cell anatomy, pectin content, biochemical and enzymatic modifications under six different salinity treatments of a natural-high-saline habitat (similar to 1000 mM) (Ciechocinek [Cie]) and an anthropogenic-lower-saline habitat (similar to 550 mM) (Inowroclaw [Inw]). The Inw population showed the highest cell area and roundness of stem water storing cells at high salinity and had the maximum proline, carotenoid, protein, catalase activity within salt treatments, and a maximum high and low methyl esterified homogalacturonan content. The Cie population had the highest hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase activity along with the salinity gradient. Gene expression analysis of SeSOS1 and SeNHX1 evidenced the differences between the studied populations and suggested the important role of Na+ sequestration into the vacuoles. Our results suggest that the higher salt tolerance of Inw may be derived from a less stressed maternal salinity that provides a better adaptive plasticity of S. europaea. Thus, the influence of the maternal environment may provide physiological and anatomical modifications of local populations.

Automated summary

This study investigated the influence of maternal habitats on the physiology and anatomy of Salicornia europaea under different salinity conditions. The results showed that the Inw population exhibited higher cell area and roundness, as well as higher tolerance indicators, under high salinity. On the other hand, the Cie population had higher hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase activity. Gene expression analysis revealed differences between the two populations and suggested the important role of Na+ sequestration into the vacuoles. These findings indicate that the maternal environment plays a significant role in shaping the physiological and anatomical characteristics of local S. europaea populations.