Changes in leaf ecophysiological traits and proteome profile provide new insights into variability of salt response in the succulent halophyte Cakile maritima

A study on the succulent halophyte Cakile maritima reveals significant differences in salt tolerance between two Tunisian accessions, Djerba and Raoued. Despite lower biomass productivity under saline conditions, the Djerba accession exhibited a higher CO2 assimilation rate compared to Raoued. Proteomic analysis identified distinct salinity-responsive proteins, with Djerba showing an increase in mitochondrial respiration for ATP production, while Raoued displayed higher photorespiration and less pronounced changes in oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, Djerba plants demonstrated enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging mechanisms, suggesting adaptive strategies for survival in saline environments.

Belghith, I., Senkler, J., Abdelly, C., Braun, H.-P., & Debez, A. (2022). Changes in leaf ecophysiological traits and proteome profile provide new insights into variability of salt response in the succulent halophyte Cakile maritima. Functional Plant Biology, 49(7), 613–624. https://doi.org/10.1071/fp21151