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19 pages, 1767 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Transient Waterlogging Events Impair Shoot and Root Physiology and Reduce Grain Yield of Durum Wheat Cultivars

by Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Giacomo Lorenzini, Cristina Nali, Claudia Pisuttu, Silvia Pampana and Elisa Pellegrini

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2357; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112357 - 1 Nov 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4107

Abstract

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn) is a staple crop of the Mediterranean countries, where more frequent waterlogging events are predicted due to climate change. However, few investigations have been conducted on the physiological and agronomic responses of this crop to waterlogging. The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of two waterlogging durations (i.e., 14 and 35 days) on two durum wheat cultivars (i.e., Svevo and Emilio Lepido). An integrated analysis of an array of physiological, biochemical, biometric, and yield parameters was performed at the end of the waterlogging events, during recovery, and at physiological maturity. Results established that effects on durum wheat varied depending on waterlogging duration. This stress imposed at tillering impaired photosynthetic activity of leaves and determined oxidative injury of the roots. The physiological damages could not be fully recovered, subsequently slowing down tiller formation and crop growth, and depressing the final grain yield. Furthermore, differences in waterlogging tolerance between cultivars were discovered. Our results demonstrate that in durum wheat, the energy maintenance, the cytosolic ion homeostasis, and the ROS control and detoxification can be useful physiological and biochemical parameters to consider for the waterlogging tolerance of genotypes, with regard to sustaining biomass production and grain yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Durum Wheat to Abiotic Stress)

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20 pages, 1826 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Overview of the Role of Rhizobacteria in Plant Salt Stress Tolerance

by Miguel Ayuso-Calles, José David Flores-Félix and Raúl Rivas

Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1759; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091759 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 8376

Abstract

Salinity is one of the main causes of abiotic stress in plants, resulting in negative effects on crop growth and yield, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The effects of salinity on plant growth mainly generate osmotic stress, ion toxicity, nutrient deficiency, and oxidative stress. Traditional approaches for the development of salt-tolerant crops are expensive and time-consuming, as well as not always being easy to implement. Thus, the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) has been reported as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to enhance plant tolerance to salt stress. In this sense, this review aims to understand the mechanisms by which PGPB help plants to alleviate saline stress, including: (i) changes in the plant hormonal balance; (ii) release of extracellular compounds acting as chemical signals for the plant or enhancing soil conditions for plant development; (iii) regulation of the internal ionic content of the plant; or iv) aiding in the synthesis of osmoprotectant compounds (which reduce osmotic stress). The potential provided by PGPB is therefore an invaluable resource for improving plant tolerance to salinity, thereby facilitating an increase in global food production and unravelling prospects for sustainable agricultural productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Soil Microorganisms for Improved Plant Performance and Resilience in Sustainable Agricultural Systems)

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32 pages, 1070 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Towards a Sustainable Agriculture: Strategies Involving Phytoprotectants against Salt Stress

by José Ramón Acosta-Motos, Consuelo Penella, José A. Hernández, Pedro Díaz-Vivancos, María Jesús Sánchez-Blanco, Josefa María Navarro, María José Gómez-Bellot and Gregorio Barba-Espín

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020194 - 1 Feb 2020

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 8439

Abstract

Salinity is one of the main constraints for agriculture productivity worldwide. This important abiotic stress has worsened in the last 20 years due to the increase in water demands in arid and semi-arid areas. In this context, increasing tolerance of crop plants to salt stress is needed to guarantee future food supply to a growing population. This review compiles knowledge on the use of phytoprotectants of microbial origin (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria), osmoprotectants, melatonin, phytohormones and antioxidant metabolism-related compounds as alleviators of salt stress in numerous plant species. Phytoprotectants are discussed in detail, including their nature, applicability, and role in the plant in terms of physiological and phenotype effects. As a result, increased crop yield and crop quality can be achieved, which in turn positively impact food security. Herein, efforts from academic and industrial sectors should focus on defining the treatment conditions and plant-phytoprotectant associations providing higher benefits. Full article

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