Analysis of germination characteristics and metabolome of Medicago ruthenica in response to saline-alkali stress

作者：Xiaoli Wei, Jie Wang, Xu Chengti, Yuanyuan Zhao, Xiaojian Pu, Wei Wang, Guangxin Lu · 发表于：Frontiers in Plant Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fpls.2025.1592555 · 被引用次数：5 · 研究领域：Seed Germination and Physiology、Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance、Legume Nitrogen Fixing Symbiosis

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the seed germination characteristics and metabolic response mechanisms of Medicago ruthenica under saline-alkali stress, with the goal of elucidating its physiological and molecular mechanisms of salt-alkali tolerance. Methods It was systematically analyzed the germination characteristics of four M. ruthenica germplasm resources (YSZ, XHZ, Shoulu, and Longzhong 1) from different origins with various concentrations of individual salts (NaCl, Na 2 SO 4 , NaHCO 3 ) and compound saline-alkali stress treatments. Additionally, the metabolite changes in the domesticated species under saline-alkali stress were examined using metabolomics technology. Results The results indicated that low concentrations of NaCl stress did not significantly inhibit the germination of M. ruthenica seeds; rather, it promoted germination to some extent. In contrast, high concentrations of NaHCO 3 and compound saline-alkali stress significantly inhibited both seed germination and seedling growth. The germination characteristics of M. ruthenica germplasm resources from different sources exhibit variability under saline-alkali stress. Domesticated species demonstrated strong tolerance to salt-alkali conditions. Metabolomic analyses indicated that saline-alkali stress significantly impacts key metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, sugar metabolism, and lipid metabolism in M. ruthenica sprouts, with a notable increase in the accumulation of amino acid...