Insight into phytohormonal modulation of defense mechanisms to salt excess in a halophyte and a glycophyte from Asteraceae family

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency three defense mechanisms (ionic balance, osmotic adjustment and counteracting oxidative stress) under low, moderate high soil salinity in two related species contrasting tolerance salinity: halophyte Aster tripolium glycophyte alpinus , elucidate their phytohormone-mediated regulation. Methods phytohormonal profiling performed asses correlations between pool plant growth regulators parameters depicting ionic homeostasis, antioxidant system. Results Defense both were based on accumulation/activity distinct compounds (Na + K ions, antioxidants), but differences among concerned particularly soluble carbohydrates betaines. accumulated mannitol, uronic acids sucrose, while mostly glucose proline-betaine. responses also correlated with changes content promoting PGRs, as well jasmonates benzoic acid. corresponded abscisic acid ethylene precursor, salicylic Conclusions We provided evidence that rather than is involved salt elevated SA may enhance vulnerability excess. An important element trait JA-GA network influences intensity responses. This uncovers new aspects internal regulation reaction enables further insight into extremophyte biology.