Effects of Interaction of Protein Hydrolysate

Summary of Effects of Interaction of Protein Hydrolysate:

Improving Citrus Growth and Salt Tolerance with Natural Biostimulants

Plants often face stressful conditions, such as high salt levels in the soil, which can hinder their growth and nutrient absorption. To address this challenge, researchers are exploring the benefits of natural biostimulants, such as protein hydrolysates (PHs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These environmentally friendly substances help plants grow better and cope with stress. The way they work at a physiological and molecular level is still not completely understood.

This study focused on Goutoucheng (Citrus aurantium), a citrus variety, and examined how PHs and AMF influence its growth, nutrient uptake, and stress-related gene expression under salt stress conditions. Researchers applied PHs and AMF to the plants and measured their effects on biomass, root activity, nutrient content, and sodium removal.

The results were promising. Plants treated with PHs, AMF, or a combination of both showed greater biomass, stronger roots, and higher mineral nutrient levels compared to untreated plants. Additionally, the sodium content in the leaves was significantly lower in treated plants, with the AMF and combined treatments showing the best results. This suggests that these biostimulants help plants remove excess sodium more effectively, reducing the negative impact of salt stress.

Further analysis revealed that PHs and AMF worked together to improve growth and nutrient absorption while also triggering stress-response genes. Specifically, genes like PIP1, PIP3, SOS1, and SOS3, which help plants manage water balance and remove excess sodium, were significantly more active in treated plants.

In conclusion, PHs and AMF help citrus plants tolerate salt stress by improving nutrient uptake and promoting sodium removal through gene activation. The combination of both biostimulants proved to be the most effective approach, offering a natural and sustainable way to support plant health in challenging environments.