PJB-2018-1765
Physicochemical properties of an asexual Epichloë endophyte-modified wild barley in the presence of salt stress
Shuihong Chen, Taixiang Chen, Xiang Yao, Hui Lv and Chunjie Li
Abstract
Endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E–) wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) tillers were grown in half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution using a hydroponic method. Two weeks later, salt stress treatment was initiated with 200 mM sodium chloride for six days. Relevant physiological indicators were then determined. The results showed that the levels of both chlorophyll a/b and carotenoids were significantly higher in plants with endophytic fungi than in those without endophytes. Peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the endophyte-infected plants were significantly higher than those in endophyte-free plants. The E+ wild barley plants had higher relative water content than did the E– wild barley plants. The contents of proline and soluble sugars in E+ wild barley increased significantly. Under salt stress conditions, the endophyte infection significantly alleviated the stress by up-regulating photosynthetic pigments, the relative water content, proline, and soluble sugar contents compared to those of the E– plants. In conclusion, the asexual Epichloë endophyte significantly reprogrammed the physicochemical properties of the host plants during treatment with 200 mM NaCl.
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