Regulation of hydrogen rich water on strawberry seedlings and root endophytic bacteria under salt stress.

Abstract

Salt stress impairs plant growth and reduces crop yields, with strawberries being particularly susceptible. This pot-experiment study examined how hydrogen-rich water (HRW) influences strawberry seedlings exposed to 100 mM NaCl. Applications of 50% and 100% HRW increased total biomass by 0.29 g and 0.54 g, respectively, while 100% HRW extended shoot and root length by 15.34% and 24.49%. Ion analysis revealed enhanced K⁺ uptake and reduced Na⁺ absorption, along with decreased root-to-shoot Na⁺ translocation. Relative water content rose by 12.35% and electrolyte leakage declined by 7.56% under HRW supplementation. Phytohormone profiles were also modulated. Notably, HRW altered root endophytic bacterial diversity and recruited specific microbial taxa, contributing to restoration of microecological homeostasis. These findings offer new insight into hydrogen's agricultural applications for mitigating ionic and osmotic stress in crops.

Mechanism

HRW alleviates salt stress by improving the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, modulating phytohormone levels, maintaining antioxidant enzyme activity, and reshaping root endophytic bacterial community composition to restore microecological balance.