Integrated In Vitro Assessment of Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Responses to Salinity Stress in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
摘要
Salinity stress is a major global constraint limiting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, particularly in salt-affected coastal regions such as Bangladesh. We conducted an integrated in vitro evaluation of morphological, biochemical, and molecular responses of five cultivars (Cardinal, All Blue, Diamant, Asterix, Musica) under NaCl stress (0-120 mM). Growth was markedly reduced: at 120 mM, Cardinal, Diamant, and Asterix retained < 33% of plant height, while All Blue and Musica maintained 60–90%. Root traits were highly sensitive, with Asterix showing complete loss, whereas All Blue preserved 65% of root number and 76% of root length. Chlorophyll content decreased > 70% in Diamant and ≈ 92% in Asterix, but only by 25–30% in Musica. Proline rose 7-13-fold in tolerant cultivars; H₂O₂ nearly doubled in sensitive ones. SOS1 and NHX1 were strongly induced in All Blue, moderately in Musica. PCA confirmed a trade-off between growth and stress markers. This multi-level screening identifies All Blue and Musica as donors for breeding salt-resilient potatoes.