ABA-mediated molecular mechanisms underpinning salinity tolerance in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Soil salinization, intensified by climate change, poses a significant threat to agriculture by affecting crop productivity.
Developing salt-tolerant crop varieties is crucial for maintaining sustainable food systems.
This study examines how different eggplant genotypes respond to salinity stress, specifically through ABA-related pathways.
The research included genotypes from the G2P-SOL collection (http://www.g2p-sol.eu/), exposed to salt conditions, revealing diverse responses.
An Indian landrace showed strong salinity tolerance by maintaining higher water potential, unlike a Spanish cultivar which suffered stress.
The Indian landrace displayed better osmotic adjustment and water retention.
Key ABA-related genes were activated in the tolerant genotype, aiding stress management.
The study highlights the role of these mechanisms in salinity resilience and aims to use molecular data to assist breeding programs for salt-tolerant varieties, supporting sustainable agriculture in challenging environments.

International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture

M. Martina, C. Morabito, A.M. Milani, C. Comino, L. Barchi, A. Moglia, A. Acquadro, F. Secchi, E. Portis

eggplant, salinity stress, ABA signaling, transcriptomics, Solanaceae

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1454.61