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Short-term salinity triggers coordinated xerophyte-like hydraulic responses that preserve quinoa water balance
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DOI：10.1007/s40626-025-00393-0.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Salinity first strikes crops via osmotic shock, collapsing the soil-to-leaf water gradient long before toxic ions build up. To disentangle this early phase, we exposed two contrasting Chilean quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) ecotypes-AZ2 (coastal lowland) and AZ9b (salares desert)-to 0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl for seven days and quantified root hydraulics, leaf gas exchange, and whole-plant water status. Both genotypes initiated osmotic adjustment, as evidenced by higher root-sap osmolality and a decrease in stem water potential (Psi stem). However, only desert ecotype AZ9b deployed a xerophyte-like hydraulic strategy: root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) remained constant, stomatal conductance (gs) remained twice that of AZ2 at 150 mM, and Psi stem declined just enough to preserve leaf turgor. Even at 300 mM, AZ9b's Lpr was triple that of AZ2. Microscopic observations confirmed that AZ2 roots underwent cortical collapse and early suberization, whereas AZ9b maintained an intact cortex with minimal barrier formation, keeping radial water flow open. Thus, swift coordination of Lpr, gs, and osmotic adjustment stabilizes Psi stem and safeguards the water balance within the first week of salt exposure. Early hydraulic resilience, not late-stage ion exclusion, has emerged as a practical breeding target for enhancing quinoa performance in saline marginal soils.
Keywords:
Chenopodium quinoa
Salt tolerance
Root hydraulic conductivity
Osmotic adjustment
Salinity
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