Hydrogen gas (H2) is known for its capability to alleviate detrimental effects of salinity in plants. However, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic basis of H2 amelioration of the salt stress in barley (Hordeum vulgare). NaCl addition induced significant inhibition of the root elongation and resulted in a loss of the cell viability; these detrimental effects were substantially reversed by treatment with hydrogen reach water (HRW). Electrophysiological experiments using non-invasive ion flux measuring MIFE technique revealed that the beneficial effects of HRW on salinity tolerance could be explained by (1) higher rate of Na+ extrusion from roots mediated by SOS1-like Na+/H+ exchanger in the root epidermis, and (2) better root K+ retention resulting from ability of HRW-treated plants to prevent NaCl-induced membrane depolarization and reduced sensitivity of K+ efflux channels to ROS. Taken together, these two factors resulted in more favorable Na/K ratio and explained beneficial effects of HRW on salinity tolerance in barley.
History
Publication title
Environmental and Experimental Botany
Volume
177
Article number
104136
Number
104136
Pagination
9
ISSN
0098-8472
Department/School
Agriculture and Food Systems, Biological Sciences, TIA - Research Institute
Publisher
Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd
Publication status
Published
Place of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1Gb
Rights statement
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V.
Socio-economic Objectives
269999 Other plant production and plant primary products not elsewhere classified