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Root vacuolar sequestration and suberization contribute to salinity tolerance in Pistacia spp. rootstocks
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  • Shuxiao Zhang,
  • Alessandra Quartararo,
  • Oliver Betz,
  • Shahab Madahhosseini,
  • Angelo Heringer,
  • Thu Le,
  • Yuhang Shao,
  • Tiziano Caruso,
  • Louise Ferguson,
  • Judy Jernstedt,
  • Thomas Wilkop,
  • Georgia Drakakaki
Shuxiao Zhang
University of California Davis

Corresponding Author:shxzhang@ucdavis.edu

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Alessandra Quartararo
University of California Davis
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Oliver Betz
University of California Davis
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Shahab Madahhosseini
University of California Davis
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Angelo Heringer
University of California Davis
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Thu Le
University of California Davis
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Yuhang Shao
University of California Davis
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Tiziano Caruso
University of Palermo
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Louise Ferguson
UC Davis
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Judy Jernstedt
University of California Davis
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Thomas Wilkop
University of California Davis
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Georgia Drakakaki
University of California Davis
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Abstract

Pistachio (Pistacia spp.) is a tree nut crop with relatively high salinity tolerance. Currently, limited information exists on its rootstock’s cellular responses to salinity stress, especially in its roots. In this study, we investigated salinity tolerance at cellular level, in two pistachio rootstocks, Pistacia integerrima (PGI) and a hybrid, P. atlantica x P. integerrima (UCB1). Root tip sections were categorized across a developmental gradient according to their xylem development, and their sodium content and suberin deposition were analyzed with fluorescence microscopy. Our data demonstrated a correlation between vacuolar sequestration of sodium ions (Na+) and salinity tolerance in the UCB1 genotype. In addition, UCB1 displayed higher basal levels of suberization in both the exodermis and endodermis that increased further after salinity stress. Notably, the root region immediately distal to the region of secondary xylem initiation showed the highest amount of vacuolar Na+ sequestration, indicating a developmental regulation of this process. Our cumulative data demonstrate that salinity tolerance in pistachio rootstock species is associated with both vacuolar Na+ sequestration and suberin deposition at apoplastic barriers, and both are correlated with a root developmental gradient. These cellular characteristics are phenotypes that can be screened during the selection for salinity tolerant woody plant species.
12 Jun 2020Submitted to Plant, Cell & Environment
13 Jun 2020Submission Checks Completed
13 Jun 2020Assigned to Editor
16 Jun 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
03 Jul 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending