Effects Of Salinity Research Articles

Effects of water salinization and substrata quality on the performance of the shredder Schizopelex festiva (Trichoptera; Sericostomatidae)

Secondary salinization is a growing concern for freshwaters worldwide. The lethal and sub-lethal effects on shredders are known, but not whether these result from direct exposure to contaminated aquatic medium and/or from indirect effects of distinct substrate quality through fungal conditioning in salinized media. Here, chestnut and oak leaves were conditioned for 4 weeks in reference (Cond0, 0 g/l NaCl) or salinized (Cond3, 3 g/l NaCl) media before being offered to the shredder Schizopelex festiva maintained in reference (Inv0) or salinized (Inv3) media. Fungal biomasses associated with leaf litter and consumption, respiration rates, growth, survival, and feeding preference of S. festiva were assessed. We found lower fungal biomass in both leaf species conditioned in Cond3 medium. Consumption rates were higher for oak than chestnut, and in Inv0 than Inv3, but were not affected by conditioning media. Growth was also affected by invertebrate media (Inv0 > Inv3), while Inv3 led to the lowest survival. Schizopelex festiva preferred Cond0 over Cond3 oak leaves only in Inv0. Results strongly suggest that direct exposure to salinized media is a main pathway of salt toxicity to shredders through a generalized reduction in invertebrates’ metabolic rates when facing salt stress. Salt addition to the media may result in an energetic investment in osmotic regulation at the expense of consumption and growth, with consequences for invertebrate survival. Potential negative effects of salt contamination on shredders’ ability to select more nutritious food items may contribute to cascading effects throughout the stream food webs, particularly in streams lined with more recalcitrant leaf litter.

Effects of Soil Salinity on Agronomics Performances of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties Cultivated in Tahoua Region, Niger

Effects of Soil Salinity on Agronomics Performances of Onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) Varieties Cultivated in Tahoua Region, Niger

Disentangling responses of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates to drying in saline streams and shallow lakes

In inland aquatic ecosystems, drying and salinity can co-occur as natural stressors, affecting aquatic invertebrate communities. Despite recent appreciation of the importance of temporary waterbodies for terrestrial invertebrates, knowledge about the effects of drying on dynamics of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate communities is scarce, especially in saline ecosystems. This study analyzed structural and compositional responses of both communities to the coupled effects of drying and salinity in two streams and two shallow lakes in Spain, during three hydrological phases: wet, contraction, and dry. In the two studied saline streams, the contraction phase presented the highest aquatic and terrestrial abundance and richness, and the main compositional changes were mainly due, to an increase in aquatic lentic taxa (e.g., Coleoptera), and Araneae and Formicidae as terrestrial taxa. In shallow lakes, which presented highly variable salinity conditions, the highest abundance and diversity values were found at the wet phase for aquatic invertebrates and at the dry phase for terrestrial invertebrates. Compositional invertebrate community changes were due to a decrease in Rotifera and Anostraca (aquatic taxa) in the contraction phase for aquatic communities, and to an increase of Araneae, Coleoptera, and Formicidae (terrestrial taxa) at the dry phase for the terrestrial. Our study evidences the significant effect of drying on both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates communities in natural inland saline waters and the need to integrate aquatic and terrestrial perspectives to study temporary inland waters.

Combined effects of ammonia-N exposure and salinity changes on hematological and serum biochemical factors and thyroid hormones in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The aim of this research was to evaluate the interaction effects of ammonia-N levels and salinity on hematological and serum biochemical parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish were randomly divided into 12 treatments including the levels of salinity (0, 4, 8 and 12 ppt) and 0, 50% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N in a factorial design (4 salinity levels x 3 ammonia levels). Hemoglobin value in all treatments, except for salinity treatments, namely 2, 3, 4, showed a significant decrease than the control (0 ppt and no poisoning). Also, red blood cells in treatment ammonia-N levels were significantly less than the control. Serum protein concentration, in treatments 9 (50% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N) and 5 and also with increasing salinity (treatments 2, 3 and 4) had a significant decrease compared to the control. There is a significant increase in serum glucose, cortisol, ammonia and urea levels in 50% and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N treatments compared to the control, meanwhile these parameters were significantly increased with increasing salinity. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 levels in acute and sub-acute ammonia-N treatments were significantly lower than the control. Moreover, with increasing salinity in 50% and 30% of LC50-96 h of ammonia-N treatments, TSH showed a decreasing pattern. According to the results, fluctuations in blood biochemical factors, increase of stress and decrease of thyroid hormones show that the salinity, ammonia, and their interaction caused adverse effects on fish health during the 96 h of testing.

Interactive influences of salinity and sodicity levels on depth-wise soil organic matter and micronutrient elements in Thailand

Soil salinity and sodicity are the major environmental issues that lead to the deterioration of soil properties, nutrient cycling, and soil ecosystems around the globe. Nevertheless, the reciprocal effects of salinity and sodicity levels on depth-wise soil organic matter (SOM) and micronutrients remain elusive, particularly in Thailand. For a better understanding of such an issue, soil samples were collected from 38 sites at depths of 0–20, 30–50, 60–80, and 80–120 cm where they were affected by salts with variable levels of salinity and sodicity, having electrical conductivity (ECe), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) from 0.20–74.70 dS m–1, and 2.74%–113.23%, respectively. Soil physicochemical properties, including distribution of sand, silt, and clay, pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B) were determined. The results exhibited that SOC content, ranging from 3.36–14.74 g kg–1, was higher in topsoil (0–20 cm) compared to the other three soil depths and it correlated negatively with ECe (0–20 and 80–120 cm) and ESP (80–120 cm), suggesting the declines in SOC amount due to high salinity and sodicity levels. Topsoil Mn concentration (0.06–182.06 mg kg–1) also tended to be greater than the other soil depths while Fe concentration in that soil depth (0.02–33.99 mg kg–1) tended to be smaller. The ECe correlated negatively with the concentrations of Fe, Cu (all soil depths), and Zn (30–50 and 60–80 cm), and positively with Mn concentration (60–80 and 80–120 cm), suggesting that the availability of Fe Cu and Zn is vulnerable to high salinity and sodicity levels. Overall, our findings highlight that high salinity and sodicity levels brought about a reduction in SOC content and low concentrations of micronutrients in soils, irrespective of Mn concentration.

Seed morphology characterization and salinity effects on two popular rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties of Nagaland

Salinity is one of the significant problems in rice production as it limits its growth and development. Salinity can occur through natural processes due to weathering and human intervention, such as irrigation. The present study reports two different rice varieties, 'Makrilha' and 'Thevur' which are categorized as very long (&lt; 7.50 mm) and slender in shape (&lt; 3.0 mm) and subjected to different salt treatments (0 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, and 300 mM NaCl solutions) and their germination responses, such as germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), mean germination time (MGT), vigor index (VI), root and shoot length. The study concluded that Makrilha has a higher GP (88.33%) as compared to Thevur (63%) at 200 mM NaCl solution. Both the rice showed 100% germination in the control 0 mM and 100 mM salt solutions, and no germination was recorded in the 300 mM NaCl solution. GI was recorded at its maximum in Makrilha as compared to Thevur. MGT and VI were more concentrated in Thevur than Makrilha. There was a significant difference in GI, VI, root, and shoot length (P &lt; 0.05) as salinity increased for both rices. There was no significant difference in GP (P = 0.122) and MGT (P = 0.088). The study also found a positive correlation between GI and GP. MGT is negatively correlated with GP and GI. VI is positively correlated with GP, and GI is negatively correlated with MGT. Root and shoot length are positively correlated with GP, GI, and VI but negatively correlated with MGT for both rice varieties. The rice root and shoot length are affected as salt concentration increases and are statistically significant (root P = 0.012, shoot P = 0.001). Salt is used to control weeds in almost every part of Nagaland. Thus, the effect of salt applications needs to be studied in rice. Based on the data obtained for germination parameters such as GP, GI, VI, MGT, root and shoot length, 'Makrilha' tends to show more tolerance towards salinity as compared to 'Thevur' under controlled environmental conditions. Thus, this study can provide insight into selecting rice with a higher salt tolerance for cultivation.

Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of organic matter processing along phosphorus and salinity gradients in coastal wetlands

Abstract Climate change is accelerating sea‐level rise and saltwater intrusion in coastal regions world‐wide and interacting with large‐scale changes in species composition in coastal wetlands. Quantifying macrophyte litter breakdown along freshwater‐to‐marine coastal gradients is needed to predict how carbon stores will respond to shifts in both macrophyte communities and water chemistry under changing environmental conditions. To test the interactive drivers of changing species identity and water chemistry, we performed a reciprocal transplant of four macrophyte litter species in seven sites along freshwater‐to‐marine gradients in the Florida Coastal Everglades. We measured surface water chemistry (dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorus), litter chemistry (% nitrogen, % phosphorus, change in N:P molar ratio, % cellulose and % lignin as proxies for recalcitrance) and litter breakdown rates (k/degree‐day). Direct effects of salinity and surface water nutrients were the strongest drivers of k, but unexpectedly, litter chemistry did not correlate with litter k. However, salinity strongly correlated with changes in litter chemistry, whereby litter incubated in brackish and marine wetlands was more labile and gained more phosphorus compared with litter in freshwater marshes. Our results suggest that litter k in coastal wetlands is explained by species‐specific interactions among water and litter chemistries. Water nutrient availability was an important predictor of breakdown rates across species, but breakdown rates were only explained by the carbon recalcitrance of litter in the species with the slowest breakdown (Cladium jamaicense), indicating the importance of carbon structure, and species identity on breakdown rates. Synthesis. In oligotrophic ecosystems, nutrients are often the primary driver of organic matter breakdown. However, we found that variation in macrophyte breakdown rates in oligotrophic coastal wetlands was also explained by salinity and associated seawater chemistry, emphasising the need to understand how saltwater intrusion will alter organic matter processing in wetlands. Our results suggest that marine subsidies associated with sea‐level rise have the potential to accelerate leaf litter breakdown. The increase in breakdown rates could either be buffered or increase further as sea‐level rise also shifts macrophyte community composition to more or less recalcitrant species.

Strategies of NHX antiporters to deal with salt stress

The adverse effects of salinity on plant growth are generally associated with the low osmotic potential of the soil solution and the high level of sodium toxicity (and chlorine toxicity for some species) which cause multiple perturbations on plant metabolism, growth, and development at the molecular, biochemical and physiological levels. The vacuolar NHX and plasma membrane SOS antiporters mediate cation and proton exchange across the tonoplast and plasma membrane, respectively. The SOS transporters allow the excretion of Na+ from the cytoplasm to the outside environment and alternatively, NHXs provide Na+ transport from the cytoplasm to the vacuole. Cellular ion homeostasis is an essential phenomenon for all organisms. Most cells manage to maintain a high level of potassium and a low level of sodium in the cytoplasm through the coordination and regulation of different transporters and channels instead of the NHX-type vacuolar antiport. In this article, some important mechanisms in the regulation of ionic ions such as Na+. will be discussed.

Salinity tolerance at the germination stage of Senegalese varieties of peanut, cowpea, millet and sorghum

Salinization continues to increase in semi-arid areas like Senegal where it limits seed germination, a crucial phase in a plant's cycle. Adaptation to salinization, one of the great challenges of modern agriculture, is possible through the use of halotolerant varieties which could be selected early during seed germination. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of salinity on the germination of peanut, cowpea, millet and sorghum. The effect of NaCl (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM) was tested on seed germination for one week at 30°C in a culture chamber. The parameters evaluated are: the final percentage of germination (FG), the germination vigor index (GVI), the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), the percentage reduction in germination compared to the control (PRG) and the daily average germination (DAG). The FG, GVI and CVG of millet, cowpea, sorghum and peanut show significant differences (p&lt;0.01) for each NaCl concentration. On the other hand, DAG and PRG give significant differences only at 80 mM and/or 120 mM NaCl. FG, CVG, DAG and GVI decreased with increasing salinity for all varieties unlike PRG. Cowpea (V4) are less sensitive to salinity than peanut (V3), which tolerate NaCl better than cereals. Millet (V5) is more resistant than sorghum (V7). The increase in NaCl led to a significant difference in germination. Cowpea (V4) would be more osmotolerant than peanut (V3) which is more tolerant than cereals such as millet (V5) and sorghum (V7) to salinity. These varieties would be the most recommended for successful cultivation in a saline environment.

Effects of Nutrient Source, Temperature, and Salinity on the Growth and Survival of Three Giant Clam Species (Tridacnidae).

The habitats of giant clams are undergoing environmental changes, and giant clam populations are declining. The present study was conducted to facilitate clam conservation. We conducted three 18-week trials to investigate the effects of nutrient, temperature, and salinity on the growth performance and survival rates (SRs) of juvenile Tridacna noae, adult Tridacna crocea, and subadult Tridacna derasa, respectively. Regarding nutrient sources, no significant differences were observed in shell length gain, specific growth rate, or SR between clams fed with Chaetoceros muelleri or commercial feed (hw nanotip) and those in a control group (juvenile phototrophs). Regarding temperature, clams cultivated at 27 °C exhibited significantly better growth performance and SR than did those cultivated at 19 °C or 31 °C (p < 0.05). By week 6, all clams in the 19 °C and 31 °C groups had died, indicating that suboptimal growth temperatures have severe adverse effects. Regarding salinity, clams cultivated at 34‱ exhibited significantly higher length gains and specific growth rates than did those cultivated at 20‱ or 25‱ (p < 0.05). SR was not significantly affected by salinity. Understanding how environmental factors affect giant clam populations may help researchers devise effective clam conservation strategies.

Effectiveness of manganese foliar spraying to mitigate salt stress in ornamental cabbage: Insights into morphological, physiological biochemical adaptations and mTERF gene responses

Salinity has been the subject of research for many years. However, salt stress studies on ornamental plants have increased recently. It is very important to determine the responses of bedding flowers, which are widely used in landscaping, to salt stress, and to strengthen the defense against stress. Ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleareacea L.) is widely used bedding flower in winter. The aim of this study was determining the effects of foliar application of manganese (Mn) on morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters in ornamental cabbage ('Pigeon Purple F1′) under salt stress. Plants were irrigated with 4 different irrigation solutions which containing 0 [control], 75, 150 and 300 mM NaCl concentrations and Mn (4000 ppm) was sprayed to the leaves on 0, 7th and 14th days of the salt stress application. The application of manganese did alleviate the negative effects of salinity on shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight in 75 mM NaCl plants. Ion leakage for 0 and 75 mM NaCl decreased with foliar spraying of Mn, but relative water content of plants did not change with Mn application. Lipid peroxidation (7.6 %) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) (21.3 %) contents increased with Mn foliar spraying. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase activity did not change with Mn application under salinity. The highest catalase activity obtained from 150 mM (13.81 Unit g−1 leaf) and 300 mM NaCl (16.00 Unit g−1 leaf) which treated with Mn. Root Na content was lower with Mn-treated plants when compared control plants under salt stress. Foliar spraying of Mn significantly increased the K content of the plants. Furthermore, Na/K and Na/Ca ratios which are important indicators for salt stress also decreased by Mn application under saline conditions. In addition, m TERF genes were measured by using the q-RT PCR. In most cases, mTERF expression was slightly induced by salinity, while manganese application generally led to downregulation of mTERFs.

Soil salinization poses greater effects than soil moisture on field crop growth and yield in arid farming areas with intense irrigation

Soil moisture and salinization are key environmental factors affecting crop growth and yield in arid farming areas with intense irrigation. Quantifying their effects on crops is beneficial to understanding the principle of soil water-salt interactions. Due to the strong coupling relationship between them, the independent effect on field crops is hard to distinguish clearly. In this study, taking Yongji Sub-irrigation District (YJSID) in Inner Mongolia of China as case study, the sorting bins method and GeoDetector were employed to try to disentangle relative effects of soil moisture and salinization on crop development and yield during growing seasons in 2021–2022. The regional soil water content (SWC) and soil salt content (SSC) were firstly mapped and validated through the inverse density weighted method and random forest model. Separated effects of SWC and SSC on solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), gross primary productivity (GPP), and crop yield were then calculated and presented. Results showed that low SWC inhibited SIF and the ratio of GPP to SIF (GPP/SIF) in SSC bins, as their values declined among 52.989% and 71.801% of YJSID. In SWC bins, the increase of SIF and GPP/SIF covered 91.356% and 50.087% of the area, indicating that low SSC could bring out higher SIF and GPP/SIF for field crops. Relative importance assessment suggested that SSC posed greater impacts than SWC on SIF and GPP/SIF in YJSID with the area of 77.188% and 59.628%, respectively. To the SWC effects, it performed greater for the C3 crops (sunflower, wheat, interplant, others) than the C4 plant (maize) in SIF, while reversely in GPP/SIF. The q value calculated from GeoDetector also indicated that SSC had greater effects than SWC on crop yield. Increased SSC tended to reduce grain yield with linear relationships, and the severity was bigger for maize than sunflower. These results would contribute to further understanding of the key processes involved in soil water-salt interactions and dealing with them better in agricultural practice.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. leaf essential oils and methanolic extracts from plants grown in normal and saline habitats in Egypt

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of salinity in natural habitats in Egypt on the main secondary metabolites of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Artemisia monosperma L. plants compared to plants grown at normal conditions. Plants grown under salinity were collected from Egyptian Western Coastal region habitats irrigated with underground water. Results showed that salinity increased the essential oil percentage of R. officinalis L. by 52.7% and A. monosperma L by 0.29% in addition to the total phenolics and flavonoids content in dry leaves compared to control plants. GC/MS analysis of rosemary essential oils revealed that salinity decreased the amount of some major oil monoterpenes component as verbenone, with a slight effect on 1,8 cineole and increased Camphor, endo- Boreneol, and linalool in addition to the appearance of new specific components such as Chrysanthenone monoterpene ketone and Caryophyllene sesquiterpene, while, in the case of Artemisia, the GC/MS showed that Artemisia ketone, Camphor, β -phellandrene monoterpenes andα-Bisabolol sesquiterpenewere the major oil components; salinity decreased Camphor and β -phellandrene content and increased artemisia ketone and α-Bisabolol oil content. About 11 new oil constituents were detected such as ( +)-2-Bornanone and Sesquisabinene hydrate. Mineral ions (N, K+, Ca+2, P, and Mg+2) uptake by R. officinalis and A. monosperma decreased in plants grown under salinity, while Na content increased compared to corresponding controls. Results demonstrated that both plants could tolerate the high salinity level in natural Western Coastal region soil which promoted more production of valuable secondary metabolites. The antimicrobial effect of R. officinalis L. and A. monosperma L. leaf methanolic extracts, results showed that R. officinalis extracts had an inhibitory response against all tested gram-positive and negative bacteria, in addition to the yeast (Candida albicans), whereas there was no any inhibitory effect concerning A. monosperma L extract on the tested species.

Effect of High Salinity on Elemental Sulfur Autotrophic Partial Denitrification and Feasibility Evaluation of an Enhanced Strategy with Glycine Betaine Addition: Performance, Microorganisms, and Mechanisms

Effect of High Salinity on Elemental Sulfur Autotrophic Partial Denitrification and Feasibility Evaluation of an Enhanced Strategy with Glycine Betaine Addition: Performance, Microorganisms, and Mechanisms

Determination of optimal temperature, salinity, and stocking density combinations for larval growth and survival of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Fujian oyster (Crassostrea angulata)

For nurseries, thriving larvae mean higher incomes. Three factors - temperature, salinity and stocking density - are critical to the success of larval rearing. However, the effects of these three factors on the performance of diploid, triploid and tetraploid Crassostrea angulata larvae have not yet been comprehensively investigated. In this study, the combined effects of temperature (T, 12.0–35.0 °C), salinity (S, 10.0–38.0 psu) and stocking density (D, 0.5–10.0 ind. ml−1) on the accumulated growth rate (AGR) and survival rate (SR) of diploids (DD), triploids (DT) and tetraploids (TT) C. angulata larvae were comprehensively assessed using a central composite design and response surface methodology. The results revealed that suitable temperature-salinity-stocking density combinations significantly increased the AGR and SR of larvae from all three groups, while unsuitable environments (e.g., ultra-high temperature - extra-high salinity -high stocking density combinations or ultra-high temperature - extra-low salinity - high stocking density combinations) significantly reduced the AGR and SR of the larvae, albeit to different magnitudes. The optimal temperature-salinity-stocking density combinations were obtained by model optimization. The maximum AGR and SR of DT reached at 23.6 °C, 26.5 psu and 0.5 ind. ml−1 combinations with values of 17.13 μm day−1 and 64.81%, respectively. The combinations of 24.0 °C - 25.89 psu - 1.99 ind. ml−1 and 25.9 °C - 25.96 psu - 0.5 ind. ml−1 were the optimal breeding conditions for DD and TT (DD: AGR = 13.10 μm day−1, SR = 63.55%; TT: AGR = 10.11 μm day−1, SR = 25.89%). In addition, validation experiments were carried out under the obtained optimum conditions. The AGR and SR of DD, DT and TT obtained from the validation experiments were basically in conformity with the maximum AGR and SR obtained under the theoretically predicted conditions. Moreover, the growth and survival of tetraploids remained lower than those of diploid and triploid counterparts, even under optimal breeding conditions. This means that more attention should be paid to the tetraploids so as to safeguard the succession of this fragile population. The application of the findings of this study will help to improve the breeding efficiency of C. angulata with different ploidies in larval culture.

Assessing the response of an urban stream ecosystem to salinization under different flow regimes

Urban streams are exposed to a variety of anthropogenic stressors. Freshwater salinization is a key stressor in these ecosystems that is predicted to be further exacerbated by climate change, which causes simultaneous changes in flow parameters, potentially resulting in non-additive effects on aquatic ecosystems. However, the effects of salinization and flow velocity on urban streams are still poorly understood as multiple-stressor experiments are often conducted at pristine rather than urban sites. Therefore, we conducted a mesocosm experiment at the Boye River, a recently restored stream located in a highly urbanized area in Western Germany, and applied recurrent pulses of salinity along a gradient (NaCl, 9 h daily of +0 to +2.5 mS/cm) in combination with normal and reduced current velocities (20 cm/s vs. 10 cm/s). Using a comprehensive assessment across multiple organism groups (macroinvertebrates, eukaryotic algae, fungi, parasites) and ecosystem functions (primary production, organic-matter decomposition), we show that flow velocity reduction has a pervasive impact, causing community shifts for almost all assessed organism groups (except fungi) and inhibiting organic-matter decomposition. Salinization affected only dynamic components of community assembly by enhancing invertebrate emigration via drift and reducing fungal reproduction. We caution that the comparatively small impact of salt in our study can be due to legacy effects from past salt pollution by coal mining activities >30 years ago. Nevertheless, our results suggest that urban stream management should prioritize the continuity of a minimum discharge to maintain ecosystem integrity. Our study exemplifies a holistic approach for the assessment of multiple-stressor impacts on streams, which is needed to inform the establishment of a salinity threshold above which mitigation actions must be taken.

Effect of Bio-Fertilizer Application on Agronomic Traits, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Saline Soil.

Under salinity conditions, growth and productivity of grain crops decrease, leading to inhibition and limited absorption of water and elements necessary for plant growth, osmotic imbalance, ionic stress, and oxidative stress. Microorganisms in bio-fertilizers have several mechanisms to provide benefits to crop plants and reduce the harmful effect of salinity. They can be effective in dissolving phosphate, fixing nitrogen, promoting plant growth, and can have a combination of all these qualities. During two successful agricultural seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizer applications, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), nitrogen fixation bacteria and a mix of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and nitrogen fixation bacteria with three rates, 50, 75 and 100% NPK, of the recommended dose of minimal fertilizer on agronomic traits, yield and nutrient uptake of barley (Hordeum vulgare) under saline condition in Village 13, Farafra Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that the application of Microbein + 75% NPK recorded the highest values of plant height, spike length, number of spikes/m2, grain yield (Mg ha-1), straw yield (Mg ha-1), biological yield (Mg ha-1), protein content %, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) uptakes in grain and straw (kg ha-1), available nitrogen (mg/kg soil), available phosphorus (mg/kg soil), total microbial count of soil, antioxidant activity of soil (AOA), dehydrogenase, nitrogen fixers, and PSB counts. The application of bio-fertilizers led to an increase in plant tolerance to salt stress, plant growth, grain yield, and straw yield, in addition to the application of the bio-fertilizers, which resulted in a 25% saving in the cost of mineral fertilizers used in barley production.

Extracts of Cistus creticus cultivated at different salinity levels exhibit promising therapeutic potential for pancreatic cancer cell lines

BackgroundCistus creticus L. subsp. creticus is a characteristic species commonly distributed in the Mediterranean region. It has been proved to contain antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer traits. PurposeIn this study, C. creticus plants were grown in hydroponic culture under different salinity levels (0, 30, or 60 mM NaCl) and were extracted using two other solvents (70 % ethanol and distilled water). The effect of salinity on plant growth and mineral homeostasis, biochemical content of extracts and therapeutic impact on cell death and cell survival in pancreatic cancer cell lines were studied. MethodsPancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, and AsPC-1) were treated with different C. creticus extracts were grown, and cell survival, autophagy and apoptosis signaling pathways were measured. ResultsEspecially, ethanol extraction of C. creticus showed a remarkably therapeutic effect on cell death and cell survival. Ethanol extracts have higher polyphenolic content and are more effective than water extracts. It has been found that C. creticus is an important mitochondria-targeted antioxidant in pancreatic cancer cells. ConclusionThis research could be important to evaluate how stress physiology relates to the chemical composition and the therapeutic effectiveness of C. creticus.

Silicon transporters in plants: Unravelling the molecular Nexus with sodium and potassium transporters under salinity stress

Salt stress poses a serious hazard to plant growth by altering osmotic and ionic homeostasis, producing too many oxidants and radicals, and harming vital metabolic processes like photosynthesis. Plants use mechanistic cascades of biochemical and physiological processes to battle salt stress and prevent ion toxicity; nevertheless, repeated exposure can overwhelm the defence system, leading to plant death. The Salt-Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway, which predominantly relies on Na+ exclusion from the cytosol, makes a significant contribution to salinity tolerance in plants. Although silicon (Si) is known to reduce salt stress in a variety of crops and to raise plant stress tolerance, its impact on Na+ transport is little understood. In this review, we emphasise recent research on the interaction between Si treatment and important Na+ and K+ transporters involved in ion homeostasis under salt stress. The following aspects will receive special consideration: (1) The effects of salinity on membrane stability and ion homeostasis and the involvement of Na+ and K+ transporters in ion homeostasis (2) The uptake, storage, and transport of Si in higher plants, as well as the discovered Si transporters in many plant species (3) Modulation of the expression of the Na+, K+, and Si transporters to affect the absorption, transport, and homeostasis of ions by Si. Finally, this review also highlights the necessity for further investigation into the function of Si in salt stress in plants and the discovery of knowledge gaps in the broader area of this process.

Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the LMS (Lysosomal Membrane Stability) Biomarker in Clams Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina

Population of clams Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina have been declining significantly in recent decades, and environmental pollution and accelerated global warming have been proposed as contributing factors to this decline, in addition to overfishing. Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) is a sensitive indicator of health status of the organisms. In this study, we investigate the LMS in these species after exposure for 21 days to nine combined conditions of water temperature (12, 20, and 27.5 °C) and salinity ranges (27–28, 32–33, and 37–38). LMS was assessed in living hemocytes by using the neutral red retention assay. Mortality and the condition index of the organisms were evaluated as supporting parameters. The results indicated interspecies differences in the LMS under similar environmental conditions. Overall, LMS was found to be more sensitive to temperature than to salinity changes. Although both species can tolerate changes in either salinity or temperature seawater conditions, the tolerance range is narrower for D. trunculus, showing a significant cytotoxicity (NRRT &lt; 50 min) at temperatures above 27.5 °C and salinities above 32, and 100% mortality at 27.5 °C and a low salinity range (27–28). This study is the first to assess the combined effect of temperature and salinity on the LMS in C. gallina and D. trunculus, and provide necessary information before using LMS as contaminant-related biomarker in field studies with these species.