Evaluating the expression of Hv TIP2;3 and Hv TIP4;1 in barley genotypes under different levels of salinity stress

Abstract

Barley is the most salt tolerant cereal and is grown in a wide range of climatic conditions. To improve the plant tolerance to salinity‚ expression analysis of genes involved in stress tolerance could be effective in identification and development of tolerant genotypes. In this study, for evaluation of salinity effect on expression of HvTIP2;3 and HvTIP4;1 genes (encoding channel proteins in the membrane) in the root of barley, three genotypes viz., Clipper (salt susceptible), Sahara3771 (salt tolerant) and advanced breeding line (a salt tolerant line derived from a cross between Kavir and Sahara genotypes) were planted under 0, 100 and 200 mMNaCl. Analysis of variance revealed non-significant differences among genotypes, salinity levels and sampling stages for HvTIP2;3 and HvTIP4;1 genes expression pattern, whereas genotype x salinity interaction for HvTIP2;3 and genotype x sampling stage interaction were significant for both of the genes studied. The expression of HvTIP 2;3 gene in the 100 mMNaCl, was increased in salt susceptible genotype Clipper and decreased in tolerant genotypes compared with control. Mean comparison of genotype and sampling stage combination showed that the expression level of HvTIP4;1 gene 3 weeks after salinity stress was increased in Sahara and advanced breeding line and decreased in Clipper. The study revealed that these genes are affected under salinity stress‚ and their effective utilization may increase salinity tolerance in plants.