Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, water scarcity, and soil salinization, poses significant challenges to global food security, particularly in crops of the Solanaceae family. This study aims to identify and characterize eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes, selected from the G2P-SOL core collection (www. https://www.g2p-sol.eu/), with enhanced resilience to drought and salinity stress. Using an integrative approach combining physiological assessments and transcriptomic analyses, we evaluated the responses of selected accessions under controlled stress conditions. Physiological measurements revealed distinct patterns of stress tolerance. The drought-tolerant Spanish cultivar ‘Berenjena de rabo largo’ (G2P-SOL code GPE020510) maintained high stem water potential under water deficit conditions, as well as the salinity-tolerant Indian landrace ‘TS00870’ (code GPE036890), who showed salinity tolerance under prolonged exposure to 200 mM NaCl treatment. These findings highlighted their superior water retention and stress mitigation capacities compared to their susceptible counterparts: two varieties from China and Spain, locally known as ‘Qianzi’ and ‘Berenjena del terreno’ (codes GPE008940 and GPE022290), respectively. Transcriptomic analyses of leaves and roots collected during stress trials identified key regulatory pathways associated with drought and salt stress resilience. Notably, genes involved in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, as well as NAC transcription factors and ABA metabolism, showed differential expression. For instance, NAC1 and related genes exhibited enhanced expression, correlating with improved root architecture and reduced transpiration rate, mechanisms critical for drought and salinity tolerance. These findings may contribute to the development of molecular markers to support marker-assisted breeding programs. By integrating genotypic data, high-throughput phenotyping, classical physiological methodologies and biochemical analysis, this research paves the way for developing stress resilient eggplant varieties. These advancements are essential for mitigating climate-induced stresses in agriculture and ensuring sustainable crop production in resource-limited environments.
Transcriptomic and Physiological Insights into Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Tolerance to Droughtand Salinity Stresses
Martina M.;Morabito C.;Tricerri N.;Milani A. M.;Comino C.;Barchi L.;Moglia A.;Acquadro A.;Secchi F.;Portis E
2025-01-01
Abstract
Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, water scarcity, and soil salinization, poses significant challenges to global food security, particularly in crops of the Solanaceae family. This study aims to identify and characterize eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes, selected from the G2P-SOL core collection (www. https://www.g2p-sol.eu/), with enhanced resilience to drought and salinity stress. Using an integrative approach combining physiological assessments and transcriptomic analyses, we evaluated the responses of selected accessions under controlled stress conditions. Physiological measurements revealed distinct patterns of stress tolerance. The drought-tolerant Spanish cultivar ‘Berenjena de rabo largo’ (G2P-SOL code GPE020510) maintained high stem water potential under water deficit conditions, as well as the salinity-tolerant Indian landrace ‘TS00870’ (code GPE036890), who showed salinity tolerance under prolonged exposure to 200 mM NaCl treatment. These findings highlighted their superior water retention and stress mitigation capacities compared to their susceptible counterparts: two varieties from China and Spain, locally known as ‘Qianzi’ and ‘Berenjena del terreno’ (codes GPE008940 and GPE022290), respectively. Transcriptomic analyses of leaves and roots collected during stress trials identified key regulatory pathways associated with drought and salt stress resilience. Notably, genes involved in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, as well as NAC transcription factors and ABA metabolism, showed differential expression. For instance, NAC1 and related genes exhibited enhanced expression, correlating with improved root architecture and reduced transpiration rate, mechanisms critical for drought and salinity tolerance. These findings may contribute to the development of molecular markers to support marker-assisted breeding programs. By integrating genotypic data, high-throughput phenotyping, classical physiological methodologies and biochemical analysis, this research paves the way for developing stress resilient eggplant varieties. These advancements are essential for mitigating climate-induced stresses in agriculture and ensuring sustainable crop production in resource-limited environments.
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