Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Status and Mineral Composition of Diploschistes ocellatus, Calvatia candida, Battarrea phalloides and Artemisia lerchiana in Conditions of High Soil Salinity

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-07-03
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Summary

This research examined how different organisms (lichens, mushrooms, and plants) adapt to survive in extremely harsh, salty conditions in a Russian nature reserve. The study revealed that each species has developed unique strategies for survival, including accumulating different minerals and producing protective compounds. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps understand how plants and organisms adapt to climate change and harsh environments – Provides insights for developing more resilient crops for challenging growing conditions – Identifies potential new sources of minerals and antioxidants for human use – Contributes to conservation efforts by understanding how species survive in extreme conditions – Could lead to discoveries of new natural compounds for medical or industrial applications

Background

The Bogdinsko-Baskunchak Nature Reserve in Russia’s Astrakhan region is characterized by extreme conditions including high soil salinity, strong solar radiation, and water deficiency. The reserve contains unique semi-desert ecosystems with about 507 plant species and 71 lichen species. While natural reserves play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, the biochemical characteristics of such ecosystems have been studied only fragmentarily.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the mineral composition and antioxidant status of three systematic groups of organisms: lichens (Diploschistes ocellatus), mushrooms (Calvatia candida and Battarrea phalloides), and wormwood (Artemisia lerchiana) growing in the highly saline conditions of the Bogdinsko-Baskunchak Nature Reserve.

Results

The lichen D. ocellatus accumulated up to 10-15% Ca, 0.5% Fe, and high levels of iodine and chromium. Battarrea phalloides showed unusually high concentrations of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, Sr and low Na levels. Calvatia candida accumulated high levels of Na (10,850 mg/kg) and low Sr. A. lerchiana demonstrated high accumulation of B, Mn, and antioxidants, with the highest total antioxidant activity (68.6 mg GAE/g), polyphenols (21.0 mg GAE/g), and proline (5.45 mg/g).

Conclusion

The study revealed distinct biochemical and mineral profiles among the different organisms, reflecting their unique adaptations to extreme environmental conditions. Each species showed specific patterns of mineral accumulation and antioxidant responses, with D. ocellatus being a calcium hyperaccumulator, B. phalloides showing multiple mineral hyperaccumulation, and A. lerchiana demonstrating superior antioxidant capacity.

Published in:Plants (Basel),
Study Type:Comparative Analysis,
Source: 10.3390/plants12132530