Evaluation of the expression of TaWRKY10, TaWRKY53, NAC2 genes and some biochemical and enzymatic traits under salt stress in bread wheat cultivars

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master's student in genetics and plant breeding, Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Gorgan University of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.

2 Professor of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Department of Gorgan University of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.

3 PhD student, Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Gorgan University of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Salinity stress is one of the most limiting non-living factors in wheat production. To overcome this problem, helpful information can be provided by understanding how genes respond and act in stress, to help plants withstand environmental stress. The biochemical and molecular response of wheat to salinity stress is diverse. Considering the effective role of the important family of transcription factors NAC and WRKY in dealing with stresses, this study evaluated the expression levels of three important genes from these families, TaWRKY10, TaWRKY53, and NAC2, as well as the content of chlorophyll, malondialdehyde, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase enzymes in bread wheat cultivars (Kalateh, Baharan, and Gonbad).
Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in greenhouse conditions. The main factor was salinity treatment (control, 9 and 12 deci-siemens) applied through irrigation after germination and plant establishment. The secondary factor was wheat varieties (Kalate, Gonbad, and Baharan). Sampling was performed to evaluate gene expression and biochemical traits. Real-Time PCR technique was used to check gene expression.
Results: In all tested cultivars, the chlorophyll content decreased with increasing salinity. The highest amounts of chlorophyll a and b were observed in the control treatment of the Kalate variety (14.5 and 18.2 mg/g fresh weight, respectively). Catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes, as well as the expression of TaWRKY10, TaWRKY53, and NAC2 genes, increased with salinity compared to the control in all three cultivars. The highest enzyme levels were observed in 12 deci-siemens salinity treatment of the Kalateh variety. The highest malondialdehyde amount (31 μmol/g fresh weight) was observed in the Baharan cultivar under 12 deci-siemens salt stress, indicating greater cell membrane damage in this cultivar. Based on the results, the Kalateh variety showed greater tolerance to salt stress compared to Baharan and Gonbad varieties.
Conclusion: Transcription factors play a crucial role in enhancing plant resistance to salinity. The results of this study confirm the role of transcription factors in salinity resistance and could be utilized in developing and introducing tolerant wheat cultivars.

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Main Subjects

References

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