System-wide analysis of groundnut's salinity resilience: Integrating plant-cell interactions with environmental stress dynamics through cutting-edge transcriptomics

Abstract

Salinity stress is a major concern in regions where irrigation relies on saline water. This study aimed to investigate the relative water content (RWC), electrolytic leakage (EL), total chlorophyll content, free amino acid content, and total soluble sugar content were analyzed in different groundnut species subjected to various salinity treatments. The results showed that salinity stress significantly reduced the RWC in groundnut leaves, with A. duranensis (wild type) exhibiting higher RWC values compared to the Arachis hypogaea species. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during salt stress. A total of 9079 DEGs were identified, with 1372 genes upregulated and 2509 genes downregulated. Genes belonging to transcription factor families, such as WRKY, MYB, bHLH, E2F, and Auxin efflux carrier proteins, were induced under salt stress in the tolerant genotype. Conversely, genes encoding NADH dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase, protein kinases, UDP-glycosyltransferase, and peroxidase were downregulated. Gene ontology and pathway analyses revealed several enriched categories and metabolic pathways associated with salt stress response, including catalytic activity, response to salt stress, ATP-dependent activity, and oxidative phosphorylation. The findings of this study provide insights into the physiological and molecular responses of groundnut to salinity stress. A. duranensis exhibited better salinity tolerance than Arachis hypogaea, as indicated by higher RWC values, lower electrolytic leakage, and differential gene expression patterns. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance in groundnut and may guide future efforts to develop salinity-tolerant groundnut species, ultimately improving crop yield in saline-affected regions.