Metabolomic analysis reveals responses of Spirodela polyrhiza L. to salt stress

ABSTRACT Duckweeds are particularly well suited for studies needing high output because of their quick growth and reproduction. Due to their starches and flavonoids, the potential for using duckweed as a source of food, medicine or feed has been studied. Through LC-MS analysis, 195 differential metabolites, including organic acids, phenolics, and other categories, were screened in Spirodela polyrhiza L. exposed to 4 days of NaCl. S. polyrhiza contained higher amounts of oxidized glutathione, jasmonates, and phenolic compounds but lower amounts of citric acid and glutathione under salt stress. Additionally, after 4 days of salt stress, there was an increase in the relative expression levels of genes involved in the phenolic biosynthesis pathway. Based on metabolomics, this study provides insight into the mechanism of salt-tolerant by duckweeds, as well as useful information for plant breeders and molecular biologists developing duckweed cultivars with salt tolerance and high phenolic content. Key policy highlights A total of 195 differential metabolites were examined in S. polyrhiza under salt stress using LC‒MS analysis. The effects of salt stress on S. polyrhiza metabolic pathways were reported. Under salt stress, the expression of genes involved in the S. polyrhiza phenolic biosynthesis pathway was evaluated.