Search Results (78)

Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis), a leguminous plant, is an important medicinal and economic plant in saline–alkaline soils of arid regions in China. Its main bioactive components include liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, and flavonoids, which play significant roles in maintaining human health and preventing and adjuvantly treating related diseases. However, the cultivation of G. uralensis is easily restricted by adverse soil conditions in these regions, characterized by high salinity, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiency. This study investigated the impacts of four multistrain microbial inoculants (Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd) on the growth performance and bioactive compound accumulation of G. uralensis in moderately saline–sodic soil. The aim was to screen the most beneficial inoculant from these strains, which were isolated from the rhizosphere of plants in moderately saline–alkaline soils of the Hexi Corridor and possess native advantages with excellent adaptability to arid environments. The results showed that inoculant Pc, comprising Pseudomonas silesiensis, Arthrobacter sp. GCG3, and Rhizobium sp. DG1, exhibited superior performance: it induced a 0.86-unit reduction in lateral root number relative to the control, while promoting significant increases in single-plant dry weight (101.70%), single-plant liquiritin (177.93%), single-plant glycyrrhizic acid (106.10%), and single-plant total flavonoids (107.64%). Application of the composite microbial inoculant Pc induced no significant changes in the pH and soluble salt content of G. uralensis rhizospheric soils. However, it promoted root utilization of soil organic matter and nitrate, while significantly increasing the contents of available potassium and available phosphorus in the rhizosphere. High-throughput sequencing revealed that Pc reorganized the rhizospheric microbial communities of G. uralensis, inducing pronounced shifts in the relative abundances of rhizospheric bacteria and fungi, leading to significant enrichment of target bacterial genera (Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium), concomitant suppression of pathogenic fungi, and proliferation of beneficial fungi (Mortierella, Cladosporium). Correlation analyses showed that these microbial shifts were linked to improved plant nutrition and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. This study highlights Pc as a sustainable strategy to enhance G. uralensis yield and medicinal quality in saline–alkali ecosystems by mediating microbe–plant–nutrient interactions. Full article

Soil salinization poses a critical threat to global agriculture, necessitating innovative strategies for sustainable remediation. This review synthesizes advances in leveraging plant–microbe interactions to remediate saline–alkali soils, focusing on oilseed crops—Brassica napus, Glycine max, Arachis hypogaea, Helianthus annuus, and Sesamum indicum—as keystone species for ecosystem restoration. These crops exhibit unique adaptive strategies, including root architectural plasticity and exudate-mediated recruitment of stress-resilient microbiomes (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Ascomycota), which collectively stabilize soil structure and enhance nutrient cycling, ion homeostasis, and soil aggregation to mitigate soil salinity and alkalinity. Emerging technologies further amplify these natural synergies: nanomaterials optimize nutrient delivery and microbial colonization, while artificial intelligence (AI) models predict optimal plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) combinations and simulate remediation outcomes. This integration establishes a roadmap for precision microbiome engineering, offering scalable strategies to restore soil health and ensure food security in saline–alkali ecosystems. Full article

Soil saline–alkaline stress and water stress, exacerbated by anthropogenic activities and climate change, are major drivers of wetland vegetation degradation, severely affecting the function of wetland ecosystems. In this study, we conducted a simulation experiment with three water levels and four saline–alkaline concentration levels as stress factors to assess eight key functional traits of Phragmites australis and Bolboschoenus planiculmis, dominant species in the salt marsh wetlands in the western region of Jilin province, China. The study aimed to evaluate how these factors influence the functional traits of P. australis and B. planiculmis. Our results showed that the leaf area, root biomass, and clonal biomass of P. australis significantly increased, and the leaf area of B. planiculmis significantly decreased under low and medium saline–alkaline concentration treatments, while the plant height, ramet number, and aboveground biomass of P. australis and the root biomass, clonal biomass, and clonal/belowground biomass ratio of B. planiculmis were significantly reduced and the ratio of belowground to aboveground biomass of B. planiculmis significantly increased under high saline–alkaline concentration treatment. The combination of drought conditions with medium and high saline–alkaline treatments significantly reduced leaf area, ramet number, and clonal biomass in both species. The interaction between flooding water level and medium and high saline–alkaline treatments significantly suppressed the plant height, root biomass, and aboveground biomass of both species, with the number of ramets having the greatest contribution. These findings suggest that the effects of water levels and saline–alkaline stress on the functional traits of P. australis and B. planiculmis are species-specific, and the ramet number–plant height–root biomass (RHR) strategy may serve as an adaptive mechanism for wetland clones to environmental changes. This strategy could be useful for predicting plant productivity in saline–alkaline wetlands. Full article

Soil salinization has become a major obstacle to global agricultural sustainability. While microbial inoculants show promise for remediation, the functional coordination between Trichoderma and PGPR in saline alkali rhizospheres requires systematic investigation. Pot studies demonstrated that while individual inoculations of Trichoderma longibrachiatum (M) or Bacillus aryabhattai (A2) moderately improved rice growth and soil properties, their co-inoculation (A2 + M) synergistically enhanced stress tolerance and nutrient availability—increasing available nitrogen (AN +28.02%), phosphorus (AP +11.55%), and potassium (AK +8.26%) more than either strain alone, while more effectively mitigating salinity (EC −5.54%) and alkalinity (pH −0.13 units). High-throughput sequencing further revealed that the A2 + M treatment reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome, uniquely enriching beneficial taxa (e.g., Actinomycetota [+9.68%], Ascomycota [+50.58%], Chytridiomycota [+152.43%]), and plant-growth-promoting genera (e.g., Sphingomonas, Trichoderma), while drastically reducing saline-alkali-adapted Basidiomycota (−87.96%). Further analysis identified soil organic matter (SOM), AN, and AP as key drivers for the enrichment of Chytridiomycota and Actinomycetota, whereas pH and EC showed positive correlations with Mortierellomycota, Aphelidiomycota, unclassified_k__Fungi, and Basidiomycota. Collectively, the co-inoculation of Trichoderma and PGPR strains enhanced soil microbiome structure and mitigated saline alkali stress in rice seedlings. These findings demonstrate the potential of microbial consortia as an effective bio-strategy for saline alkali soil amelioration. Full article

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a research focus in concrete crack remediation due to its environmental compatibility and efficient mineralization capacity. The hypersaline conditions of seawater (average 35 g/L NaCl) and alkaline environments (pH 12) within concrete cracks pose significant challenges to the survival of mineralization-capable microorganisms. To enhance microbial tolerance under these extreme conditions, this study employed a laboratory adaptive evolution strategy to successfully develop a Sporosarcina pasteurii strain demonstrating tolerance to 35 g/L NaCl and pH 12. Comparative analysis of growth characteristics (OD₆₀₀), pH variation, urease activity, and specific urease activity revealed that the evolved strain maintained growth kinetics under harsh conditions comparable to the parental strain under normal conditions. Subsequent evaluations demonstrated the evolved strain’s superior salt–alkali tolerance through enhanced enzymatic activity, precipitation yield, particle size distribution, crystal morphology, and microstructure characterization under various saline–alkaline conditions. Whole-genome sequencing identified five non-synonymous mutated genes associated with ribosomal stability, transmembrane transport, and osmoprotectant synthesis. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 1082 deferentially expressed genes (543 upregulated, 539 downregulated), predominantly involved in ribosomal biogenesis, porphyrin metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and amino acid metabolism. In concrete remediation experiments, the evolved strain achieved superior performance with 89.3% compressive strength recovery and 48% reduction in water absorption rate. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying S. pasteurii’s salt–alkali tolerance and validates its potential application in the remediation of marine engineering. Full article

Saline–alkali land is a critical factor limiting agricultural production and ecological restoration. Utilizing salt-tolerant plants for bioremediation represents an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to soil management. This study employed the highly salt-tolerant crop Portulaca oleracea L. cv. “Su Ma Chi Xian 3” as the test material. A plot experiment was established in coastal saline soils with planting P. a- oleracea (P) and no planting (CK) under three blocks with the different salt levels (S1: 2.16 g/kg; S2: 4.08 g/kg; S3: 5.43 g/kg) to systematically evaluate its salt accumulation capacity and effects on soil physicochemical properties. The results demonstrated that P. oleracea exhibited adaptability across all three salinity levels, with aboveground biomass following the trend PS2 > PS3 > PS1. The ash salt contents removed through harvesting were 1.29, 2.03, and 1.74 t/ha, respectively, in PS1, PS2, and PS3. Compared to no planting, a significant reduction in bulk density was observed in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil layers (p < 0.05). A significant increase in porosity by 9.72%, 16.29%, and 12.61% was found under PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively, in the 0–10 cm soil layer. Soil salinity decreased by 34.20%, 50.23%, and 48.26%, in the 0–10 cm soil layer and by 14.43%, 32.30%, and 26.42% in the 10–20 cm soil layer under PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively. The pH exhibited a significant reduction under the planting treatment in the 0–10 cm layer. A significant increase in organic matter content by 13.70%, 12.44%, and 13.55%, under PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively, was observed in the 0–10 cm soil layer. The activities of invertase and urease were significantly enhanced in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil layers, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase also exhibited a significant increase in the 0–10 cm layer under the planting treatment. This study indicated that cultivating P. oleracea could effectively facilitate the improvement of coastal saline soils by optimizing soil structure, reducing salinity, increasing organic matter, and activating the soil enzyme system, thereby providing theoretical and technical foundations for ecological restoration and sustainable agricultural utilization of saline–alkali lands. Full article

The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) has been rapidly adopted worldwide in recent years due to its high productivity, good stability, and good environmental controllability (and therefore friendliness to environment and ecology). Nevertheless, the effluent from seawater RAS contains a high level of ammonia nitrogen which is toxic to fish, so it is necessary to overcome the salinity conditions to achieve rapid and efficient nitrification for recycling. The moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) has been widely applied often by using PE fillers for efficient wastewater treatment. However, the start-up of MBBR in seawater environments has remained a challenge due to salinity stress and harsh inoculation conditions. This study investigated a new PE-filler surface modification method towards the enhanced start-up of mariculture MBBR by combining liquid-phase oxidation and maifanstone powder. The aim was to obtain a higher porous surface and roughness and a strong adsorption and alkalinity adjustment for the MBBR PE filler. The hydrophilic properties, surface morphology, and chemical structure of a raw polyethylene filler (an unmodified PE filler), liquid-phase oxidation modified filler (LO-PE), and liquid-phase oxidation combined with a coating of a maifanstone-powder-surface-modified filler (LO-SCPE) were first investigated and compared. The results showed that the contact angle was reduced to 45.5° after the optimal liquid-phase oxidation modification for LO-PE, 49.8% lower than that before modification, while SEM showed increased roughness and surface area by modification. Moreover, EDS presented the relative content of carbon (22.75%) and oxygen (42.36%) on the LO-SCPE surface with an O/C ratio of 186.10%, which is 177.7% higher than that of the unmodified filler. The start-up experiment on MBBRs treating simulated marine RAS wastewater (HRT = 24 h) showed that the start-up period was shortened by 10 days for LO-SCPE compared to the PE reactor, with better ammonia nitrogen removal observed for LO-SCPE (95.8%) than the PE reactor (91.7%). Meanwhile, the bacterial community composition showed that the LO-SCPE reactor had a more diverse and abundant AOB and NOB. The Nitrospira has a more significant impact on nitrification because it would directly oxidize NH₄⁺-N to NO₃⁻-N (comammox pathway) as mediated by AOB and NOB. Further, the LO-SCPE reactor showed a higher NH₄⁺-N removal rate (>99%), less NO₂⁻-N accumulation, and a shorter adaption period than the PE reactor. Eventually, the NH₄⁺-N concentrations of the three reactors (R1, R2, and R3) reached <0.1 mg/L within 3 days, and their NH₄⁺-N removal efficiencies achieved 99.53%, 99.61%, and 99.69%, respectively, under ammonia shock load. Hence, the LO-SCPE media have a higher marine wastewater treatment efficiency. Full article

Plants dynamically regulate ions in the tree to defend against abiotic stresses such as drought and saline-alkali, However, it is not clear how ‘Junzao’ jujube regulates ions to maintain a normal life cycle under saline-alkali stress. Therefore, in this study, the roots of 10-year old steer jujube trees were watered using a saline and alkaline gradient solution simulating the main salt (NaCl) and alkali (NaHCO₃) of Aral with NaCl:NaHCO₃ = 3:1 gradient of 0, 60, 180, and 300 mM, and three jujube trees with uniform growth were taken as samples in each treatment plot, and the ion contents of potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and carbon (C) in each organ of the fruit at the dot red period (S1) and full-red period (S2) were determined, in order to elucidate the relationship between physiological adaptation mechanisms of saline-alkali tolerance and the characteristics of mineral nutrient uptake and utilisation in jujube fruit. The results showed that under saline-alkali stress, Na was stored in large quantities in the roots, Ca and Mg in the perennial branches at S1, Na and Fe in the leaves at S2, and K, Mg and Mn in the perennial branches. There was no significant difference in the distribution of C content in various organs of ‘Junzao’. Compared with CK (0 mM), under salinity stress, the K content in the leaves was significantly reduced at S1 and S2, and the K/Na ratios remained > 1.0. At S2, under medium and high concentrations of saline-alkali stress (180–300 mM), the K/Na is less than 1, and the ionic homeostasis was disrupted, and the leaves die and fall off, and the Na is excreted from the body. The selective transport coefficients SK/Na, SCa/Na and SMg/Na from root to leaf showed a downward trend at S1, but still maintained positive transport capacity. At S2, this stage is close to leaf fall, the nutrient transport coefficient is less than 1, and a large amount of nutrients are returned to the perennial branches and roots occurred. These results indicated that the mechanism of nutrient regulation and salt tolerance in jujube trees was different at different growth stages. Full article

Topmouth Gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), a typical invasive fish worldwide, has successfully invaded various aquatic ecosystems and colonized saline–alkali waters from freshwater due to its broad environmental tolerances. However, the molecular mechanisms of adaptation to saline–alkali stress for P. parva remain poorly characterized. To explore the potential genetic mechanisms, we conducted differential gene expression analysis using gill transcriptome of wild P. parva populations collected from four waters with different salinity–alkalinity levels. Comparative transcriptomics analysis showed that DEGs involved in osmoregulation, ano6, cftr, aqp1, and aqp3, were down-regulated; DEGs related to ammonia excretion, Rhcg and Rhbg, were up-regulated; DEGs for acid–base accommodation, nhe2, slc4a1, and ca2, were down-regulated while ca4 was up-regulated; and immune-system-related DEGs, il8 and il17, were down- and up-regulated, respectively, in a high saline–alkaline water environment. The DEGs were enriched in multiple KEGG pathways, such as the ribosome, thermogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, necroptosis, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. In addition, more DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-disease-related pathways in high saline–alkaline water populations. This suggests that P. parva exposed to chronic saline–alkali stress, despite survival, still needed immune system regulation to defend against potential diseases. These results revealed the gill molecular mechanisms underlying P. parva saline–alkaline adaptation and offered valuable insights into the development of saline–alkaline water aquaculture fisheries Full article

Chitin deacetylase (CDA) plays a pivotal role in converting chitin to chitosan, yet industrial applications remain constrained by low enzymatic activity, instability under process conditions, and insufficient understanding of metalloenzyme activation mechanisms. Addressing these challenges, we conducted a genome-driven investigation of 151 salt-tolerant Bacillus strains to identify robust CDAs tailored for industrial demands. Genomic analysis revealed 120 strains harboring CDA genes, with Bacillus pumilus B866 exhibiting the highest native activity (105.93 U/mL). Through systematic medium optimization—identifying lactose, yeast extract, and FeSO₄ as critical components—CDA production in B866 surged to 191.32 U/mL, a 2.39-fold increase over baseline. Heterologous expression of BpCDA in E. coli yielded a recombinant enzyme (123.27 U/mL) with superior thermostability (retaining > 42.9% activity after 24 h at 55 °C) and broad pH adaptability (>81.4% activity at pH 7.0–9.0). Notably, BpCDA demonstrated unique Fe²⁺-dependent activation (186.4% activity enhancement at 1 mM), contrasting with Mg²⁺-dependent systems in prior studies. Comparative genomic and pan-genome analyses underscored evolutionary adaptations linked to saline–alkaline niches, while biosynthetic gene cluster profiling revealed strain-specific metabolic potentials independent of genome size. This study resolves critical limitations in CDA performance by integrating genome mining, targeted screening, and metalloenzyme engineering, establishing a scalable platform for sustainable chitin valorization. The optimized BpCDA, with its industrial-compatible stability and novel activation mechanism, represents a significant advancement toward efficient, eco-friendly chitosan production. Full article

Macrobrachium nipponense is an important economic freshwater species in China. Previous research has found that M. nipponense can reproduce under salinity conditions of 10 parts per thousand (ppt) and exhibits a strong ability to adapt to salinity changes in the aquatic environment. The aim of the present study was to identify the molecular mechanism of M. nipponense in terms of saline acclimation by identifying changes in immune response, morphology, and gene expression in the gills under a salinity of 10 ppt. The findings revealed that salinity exposure dramatically stimulated the activities of MDA, Ca²⁺Mg²⁺-ATPase, and CAT, reaching a peak on Day 7 (p < 0.05), indicating that these antioxidant enzymes play essential roles in protecting the body from the damage caused by saline treatment. In addition, we found no obvious morphological changes in the gills, indicating that M. nipponense can adapt well to water environments with such salinity. Transcriptome profiling analysis identified 168, 434, and 944 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when comparing S0 vs. S1, S1 vs. S4, and S4 vs. S7, respectively. Furthermore, lysosome, apoptosis, amino sugar, and nucleotide sugar metabolism; the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway; pancreatic secretion; and the calcium signaling pathway represented the main enriched metabolic pathways of DEGs in the present study. Lysosome, apoptosis, amino sugar, and nucleotide sugar metabolism and the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway are immune-related metabolic pathways, while pancreatic secretion is an energy-metabolism-related metabolic pathway, suggesting that the immune response and energy metabolism play essential roles in the regulation of saline acclimation in this species. The results from the quantitative real-time PCR analyses of the DEGs were consistent with those from RNA-Seq, indicating the accuracy of the present study. This study provides valuable evidence for the acclimation of M. nipponense to high-salinity aquatic environments, thus indicating the potential for this species to be used in aquaculture programs in saline and alkaline water regions. Full article

Lycium barbarum, a nutrient-rich fruit known for its resilience to drought and high salinity, presents an opportunity to explore stress tolerance at the molecular level. This study explores the molecular mechanisms underlying stress tolerance and fruit development in L. barbarum by characterizing its Dof transcription factor family. Through genomic analysis, 39 LbDof genes were identified, with their structural, phylogenetic, and physicochemical properties systematically examined. Cis-acting regulatory element analysis revealed motifs associated with growth, stress, light, and hormone responses, while expression profiling demonstrated organ-specific patterns and significant upregulation under drought and saline–alkaline stress. Additionally, dynamic expression changes were observed across fruit development stages, suggesting regulatory roles in maturation. Phylogenetic classification grouped LbDof genes into ten subgroups, with chromosomal mapping indicating segmental duplications as a key evolutionary driver. Furthermore, the study offers a comprehensive genomic and functional analysis of LbDof genes, highlighting their potential roles in stress adaptation and fruit maturation. The findings provide a theoretical basis for breeding stress-resistant crops and insights into enhancing plant resilience. Full article

Nitraria sibirica Pall., a halophytic shrub native to arid and saline–alkaline ecosystems, represents a dual-purpose resource for ecological stabilization and functional food development. This review synthesizes current knowledge of its bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties, while identifying research gaps in stress-induced metabolic regulation. The plant contains diverse phytochemicals including phenolic glycosides (e.g., clovin), alkaloids (e.g., nitraramine), immunomodulatory polysaccharides, and anthocyanins, which collectively demonstrate superior antioxidant capacity (freeze-dried polysaccharides outperform Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)), significant antihypertensive effects via angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and nitric oxide (NO) pathway activation, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. Notably, its pectin components reduce allergen absorption by 72%, suggesting potential as hypoallergenic food additives. These findings validate traditional medicinal uses while revealing novel applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Despite promising preclinical results, key challenges remain in understanding compound synergies under environmental stress and translating findings to human applications. Future research should employ multi-omics approaches to elucidate stress-adaptive phytochemical biosynthesis, coupled with clinical validation and sustainable cultivation methods. As a model species for ecological and nutritional applications, N. sibirica offers innovative solutions for addressing both global health challenges (metabolic disorders) and environmental concerns (soil rehabilitation), positioning it at the forefront of climate-resilient agricultural innovation. Full article

Dandelions possess a wide range of medicinal properties and demonstrate remarkable adaptability and tolerance to salinity and alkalinity. MYB genes in plants are implicated in growth, differentiation, metabolism, and responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The function of MYB genes in dandelions, particularly the R2R3-MYB gene family, requires further investigation. In this study, we identified a total of 130 members of the dandelion R2R3-MYB gene family at the genome-wide level, all of which were mapped to eight dandelion chromosomes. MEME analysis revealed that TmR2R3-MYB proteins contain three conserved motifs. Phylogenetic analysis categorized all TmR2R3-MYBs into 29 subfamilies. Transcriptomic studies in different tissues indicated that TmR2R3-MYBs exhibit distinct expression patterns in different tissues, indicating their diverse functions in dandelions. Notably, TmMYB44 from the S22 subfamily displayed the highest expression level in roots. Additionally, six representative TmR2R3-MYBs were selected from the S22 subfamily for expression profiling under salinity and alkalinity treatments. The results demonstrated that the TmR2R3-MYBs from the S22 subfamily are involved in the response to salinity and alkalinity stress. These findings provide a basis for further exploration of the functions of TmR2R3-MYBs in abiotic stress tolerance. Full article

Deoxynivalenol (DON), one of the most common mycotoxins, is frequently found in foods. This study investigated the effects of orally administered DON on the blood biochemical parameters, growth performance, histology, microbial composition, and metabolism of rats. After a 1-week adaptation period, 4-week-old rats were administered 0.9% saline (control), 1 mg/L DON (T1), 10 mg/L DON (T2), or 50 mg/L DON (T3) by gavage for 49 days. The DON-treated groups had significantly lower body weights than the control group (p < 0.05). Blood alkaline phosphatase, phosphate, cholesterol, amylase, and creatinine levels differed significantly between the DON-treated and control groups (p < 0.05). With increasing DON doses, fibrosis and apoptosis were observed in several tissues. In terms of metabolites, the bile acid biosynthesis pathway emerged as a potential biomarker, while the tryptophan metabolism pathway was found to be the most affected. The fecal microbiota showed significant differences in both alpha and beta diversity between the DON-treated and control groups (p < 0.05). In the cecal and fecal microbiota, the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased in the control and T1 groups, whereas Bacteroidota and Campylobacterota were more abundant in the T2 and T3 groups. In conclusion, our results showed that high DON exposure induces several dose-dependent adverse effects on rats. Full article