Identification of salt tolerance genes in native plants in Qatar to enhance crops production

Title : Identification of salt tolerance genes in native plants in Qatar to enhance crops production

Abstract:

Salinity is a substantial obstacle to agricultural land productivity. Arid and high-temperature locations frequently encounter salinity, which constrains agricultural methods in these locales. Halophytes survive in saline environments and are valuable for examining plant adaptations to salt stress, halophyte plant (Limonium axillar, Arthrocneinum glaucum, Suaeda Vermiculata, Salsola Soda and Halopeplis perfoliata). This work examined salt tolerance genes in a typical halophyte species from Qatar environment, by an integrated physiological and molecular genetics methodology. Plants underwent control and high-salinity treatments, after which genomic DNA was extracted from leaf and root tissues. Primers specific to genes were developed utilizing conserved areas of established gene families associated with salt stress, including ion transporters, transcription factors, and antioxidant enzymes.

Target genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the amplicons were validated through gel electrophoresis and subsequently purified for sequencing. Sanger sequencing validated specific candidate genes, whereas high-throughput sequencing on an Illumina platform produced extensive sequence data for comparative research. Bioinformatic investigations, encompassing sequence alignment and functional annotation, were performed to identify salt-responsive genes and evaluate sequence variation linked to salinity tolerance. The findings identified a collection of genes associated with ion homeostasis, osmotic regulation, and stress signaling pathways indicative of halophytic adaptation. These findings demonstrate that halophytes can serve as significant sources of genes to enhance crop growth in saline circumstances. This study highlights the significance of halophytes as genetic reservoirs for enhancing crop performance in salty conditions.

Keywords: Salt tolerance; halophytes; DNA; PCR; Sequencing, alignment, Bioinformatics

Biography:

Dr Mona Ali Al Balushi, got a PhD in Gene Transformation from the University of Bristol in 2022, has been working in Agricultural Research Department at the Ministry of Municipality since 2006, where she has contributed to the implementation of research projects by employing the latest biological and molecular technologies in the study and analysis of plants. Her work includes supervising laboratory projects and developing genetic analysis methods. During career, she held several positions, most notably as a biotechnology expert. Deputy head of the scientific team of the Research and Food Security Committee, and the country's representative to the FAO for Microbiology and Biocontrol. She has contributed to highlighting biotechnology by initiating a Biotechnology Day at the Ministry. She has also gained extensive experience in gene isolation and identification.