Reducing Salt Stress in Yarrow Plants Using Spermidine

Greg Howard
27th June, 2024

Reducing Salt Stress in Yarrow Plants Using Spermidine

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Lorestan University found that high salt levels in soil damage yarrow plants by causing cellular membrane damage, indicated by increased electrolyte leakage
  • Applying spermidine significantly reduced electrolyte leakage in yarrow plants, even under high salinity conditions
  • Spermidine helped maintain photosynthetic pigments and increased levels of osmoprotectants like proline and carbohydrates, improving the plant's stress tolerance
Salinity stress is a significant challenge for many plants, including economically important medicinal crops like yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.). High salt levels in soil can hinder plant growth, reduce photosynthetic efficiency, and cause cellular damage. To address this issue, a recent study from Lorestan University investigated the potential of spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine, to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity stress on yarrow plants[1]. The study exposed yarrow plants to four different salinity levels (0, 30, 60, 90 mM NaCl) and three concentrations of spermidine (0, 1.5, 3 μM). One of the key findings was that salinity induced electrolyte leakage in a dose-dependent manner, which is a sign of cellular membrane damage. Without spermidine, electrolyte leakage increased from 22% at 30 mM to 56% at 90 mM NaCl. However, the application of 1.5 μM spermidine significantly reduced leakage by 1.35-11.2% across all salinity levels. Photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids were also affected by salinity and spermidine treatments. While salinity decreased chlorophyll a levels, both concentrations of spermidine increased chlorophyll b and carotenoids under most saline conditions. This suggests that spermidine helps maintain the photosynthetic machinery of the plant, even under stress. The study also examined the levels of osmoprotectants, which are compounds that help plants manage osmotic stress. Proline and total carbohydrates, both important osmoprotectants, were elevated in response to salinity and spermidine. Specifically, 3 μM spermidine increased proline and carbohydrate levels by up to 14.4% and 13.1% at 90 mM NaCl, respectively. This increase in osmoprotectants likely helps the plant cells retain water and maintain turgor pressure, thus improving stress tolerance. Antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) showed complex regulation patterns influenced by both salinity and spermidine. These enzymes play crucial roles in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful by-products of stress conditions. The study found that spermidine could modulate the activity of these enzymes, thereby enhancing the plant's antioxidant defense system. Interestingly, the study also observed changes in the expression of genes responsible for the synthesis of linalool and pinene, essential oils with significant medicinal properties. The highest expression levels of these genes were noted under the combined treatment of 90 mM NaCl and 3 μM spermidine, suggesting that spermidine not only helps in stress mitigation but also enhances the medicinal quality of yarrow. These findings align with earlier research on the biological activities of Achillea species. For instance, previous studies have shown that Achillea species are rich in phenolic compounds and essential oils, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticholinesterase activities[2]. Moreover, another study highlighted the potential toxic interactions of Achillea millefolium extracts with other compounds, indicating the need for careful consideration when using these extracts in combination with other treatments[3]. Additionally, Achillea millefolium extracts have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Clostridioides difficile, further emphasizing their therapeutic potential[4]. In summary, the recent study from Lorestan University provides valuable insights into how spermidine can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity stress on yarrow plants. By reducing electrolyte leakage, enhancing photosynthetic pigments, increasing osmoprotectants, and modulating antioxidant enzyme activities, spermidine helps improve the overall stress tolerance of yarrow. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of plant stress physiology but also have practical implications for enhancing the cultivation and medicinal quality of yarrow in saline environments.

AgricultureBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Mitigation of salinity stress in yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) plants through spermidine application.

Published 26th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304831

Related Studies

2) Comparative Studies on Essential Oil and Phenolic Content with In Vitro Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, Antimicrobial Activities of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and A. millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. L. Growing in Eastern Turkey.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27061956

3) Modulation of antioxidant systems by subchronic exposure to the aqueous extract of leaves from Achillea millefolium L. in rats.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2015.1030738

4) The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Achillea millefolium L. extracts on Clostridioides difficile ribotype 001 in human intestinal epithelial cells.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04335-2


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