Morphology and metabolism of storage substances contribution to alkali stress responses in two contrasting barley cultivars during germination stage

Abstract: Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a globally significant crop and serves as pioneer for improving saline-alkaline soils due to its salt-alkali tolerant properties. However, the response mechanism of barley alkali stress remains unclear. In this study, two genotypes with contrasting performance under were selected: alkali-tolerant SCMS alkali-sensitive QT9919. The morphological physiological mechanisms these cultivars in elucidated. Results showed that inhibited germination QT9919, leading decreases vigor, plant height root length. On other hand, presented stronger water absorbing capacity than QT9919 all circumstances. Furthermore, starch degradation sugar metabolism suppressed by both through down-regulation genes expression reduction enzymes activities involved processes EMP (Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Notably, enzyme activity hexokinase (HK) malic dehydrogenase (MDH) changes between genotypes. This study provides insights into screening germplasm strong alkali-tolerance holds implications utilizing soils.