Salinity, intensified by climate change, poses a major constraint on crop production, particularly in sensitive horticultural species such as eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Identifying the genetic and physiological bases of salt tolerance is essential to support breeding efforts toward more stress resilient cultivars. In this study, two contrasting genotypes from the G2P-SOL core collection (www.g2p-sol.eu) were evaluated under prolonged salinity stress (200 mM NaCl for 27 days). The Indian landrace ‘TS00870’ (G2P-SOL code GPE036890) exhibited stable stem water potential under stress conditions, reflecting an enhanced capacity for water retention and osmotic regulation. In contrast, the Spanish cultivar ‘Berenjena del terreno’ (code GPE022290) showed a severe drop in water potential, consistent with impaired stress adaptation. Transcriptomic profiling of leaf tissue revealed major differences in gene expression dynamics between the two genotypes. In the tolerant line, salinity triggered the expression of key genes involved in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signaling—most notably NCED5 and ZEP—while LUT5 was repressed. This transcriptional pattern suggests a robust and timely ABA response, enabling improved control of water loss and stress perception. The absence of similar activation in the susceptible genotype indicates a less effective molecular response. Altogether, our findings underscore the role of ABA-centered regulatory networks in shaping salinity tolerance in eggplant. This integrated approach combining physiology and transcriptomics paves the way for marker development and the selection of salt-tolerant genotypes, contributing to more sustainable crop production under abiotic stress.
Genetic and Physiological Basis of Salt Tolerance in Eggplant: Implications for Breeding Resilient Cultivars
Martina M.;Morabito C.;Milani A. M.;Comino C.;Barchi L.;Moglia A.;Acquadro A.;Secchi F.;Portis E
2025-01-01
Abstract
Salinity, intensified by climate change, poses a major constraint on crop production, particularly in sensitive horticultural species such as eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Identifying the genetic and physiological bases of salt tolerance is essential to support breeding efforts toward more stress resilient cultivars. In this study, two contrasting genotypes from the G2P-SOL core collection (www.g2p-sol.eu) were evaluated under prolonged salinity stress (200 mM NaCl for 27 days). The Indian landrace ‘TS00870’ (G2P-SOL code GPE036890) exhibited stable stem water potential under stress conditions, reflecting an enhanced capacity for water retention and osmotic regulation. In contrast, the Spanish cultivar ‘Berenjena del terreno’ (code GPE022290) showed a severe drop in water potential, consistent with impaired stress adaptation. Transcriptomic profiling of leaf tissue revealed major differences in gene expression dynamics between the two genotypes. In the tolerant line, salinity triggered the expression of key genes involved in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and signaling—most notably NCED5 and ZEP—while LUT5 was repressed. This transcriptional pattern suggests a robust and timely ABA response, enabling improved control of water loss and stress perception. The absence of similar activation in the susceptible genotype indicates a less effective molecular response. Altogether, our findings underscore the role of ABA-centered regulatory networks in shaping salinity tolerance in eggplant. This integrated approach combining physiology and transcriptomics paves the way for marker development and the selection of salt-tolerant genotypes, contributing to more sustainable crop production under abiotic stress.
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