Integrative insights into salinity stress mitigation and physio-molecular mechanisms in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

KUMAR  PREET; POOJA  DHANSU; NIRMALA  SEHRAWAT; RAVINDER  KUMAR; SHRUTI  KAUSHIK; C  APPUNU; SREENIVASA  VENKATARYAPPA; ROHIT  KUMAR; ASHWANI  KUMAR

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i8.169528

Authors

KUMAR PREET ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Regional Centre, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India
POOJA DHANSU ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Regional Centre, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India
NIRMALA SEHRAWAT Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133 207, India
RAVINDER KUMAR ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Regional Centre, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India
SHRUTI KAUSHIK ICAR- Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
C APPUNU ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
SREENIVASA VENKATARYAPPA ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
ROHIT KUMAR ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Regional Centre, Karnal, Haryana 132 001, India
ASHWANI KUMAR ICAR- Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i8.169528

Keywords:

Ion transporter, Lipid peroxidation, Salt stress, Sugarcane, Salt overly sensitive

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a major tropical and subtropical crop which is highly sensitive to salinity stress. Hence, the study was aimed to identify salt-tolerant genotypes and associated physio-molecular mechanisms of sugarcane by evaluating the five genotypes (Co 0118, Co 13035, Co 15023, Co 15025, and Co 0238), each maintained under control (non-saline) and saline irrigation conditions (ECiw ~4, 8, and 10 dS/m). The continuous saline irrigation at ECiw levels of ~4, 8, and 10 dS/m progressively increased soil ECe from an initial value of 0.81 dS/m (control) to 2.89, 6.91, and 8.79 dS/m, respectively, resulted in substantial salt buildup in the soil. Salinity reduced physiological performance; however, Co 15023 maintained higher chlorophyll content (18–25% higher SPAD values). Antioxidant enzymes were significantly enhanced, with Co 13035 showing 3.2-fold higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 2.8-fold higher catalase (CAT) activity under stress. At the molecular level, genes of the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS pathway) (SOS1, SOS2, SOS3), along with NHX1 (Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger 1) and HKT (High-affinity K⁺ transporter), were significantly upregulated (fold change ≥5; p≤0.05) in Co 13035. Notably, SOS1 expression showed up to 12- fold upregulation, indicating efficient ion homeostasis. Overall, Co 13035 was identified as the most salt-tolerant genotype due to its superior antioxidant defence and ion regulation, making it a promising candidate for cultivation and breeding in salt-affected regions.

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