Abstract
Conservation of plant diversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem resilience and function, particularly under stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the responses to salt stress of two coastal plant species, Linum maritimum and Thalictrum maritimum, analysing their biochemical and ion regulation mechanisms.
Adult plants of L. maritimum and T. maritimum were subjected to different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) for six months to induce salt stress responses. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, proline, and MDA contents were determined spectrophotometrically, and ion accumulation was measured using 410C flame photometer.
Under salt stress, both L. maritimum and T. maritimum exhibited significant changes in their biochemical profiles. In both species, salt stress decreased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents in shoot tissues. Concurrently, proline levels increased, indicating osmotic adjustment. MDA content, indicative of lipid peroxidation, also increased, suggesting the salt-induced generation of oxidative stress. Sodium accumulation was observed in both root and shoot tissues, whereas potassium content remained relatively stable.
Despite the general decrease in pigments and carotenoids, both species demonstrated adaptive responses to salt stress, such as proline accumulation and control of ion transport. Under stress, these metabolic and ion regulatory processes play critical roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting against oxidative damage.
Understanding the responses of L. maritimum and T. maritimum to salt stress contributes to design and implement plant conservation strategies. These coastal plant species possess adaptive mechanisms that enable survival in saline environments, highlighting their ecological importance and potential for habitat restoration projects.
