Comparative metabolic and ionomic profiling of two cultivars of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. (Bertoni) grown under salinity stress

This study provides a comprehensive investigation on the impact of increasing NaCl concentrations on hydroponically grown Stevia rebaudiana cultivars (Shoutian-2 and Fengtian). Growth parameters including plant height, biomass and physiological responses including osmotic potential were measured. In addition, the levels of steviol glycosides, elements and primary metabolites were measured and statistically evaluated. The cultivar Fengtian grew faster, accumulated less Na+ and compatible organic solutes, and more K+ in the leaves, as compared to the cv. Shoutian-2. Metabolite analysis identified 81 differentially accumulated metabolites, indicating an alteration in the metabolite phenotype of both cultivars upon exposure to salinity A general increase in many amino acids, amines, sugars and sugar phosphates with a concurrent decrease in most organic acids; including tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates, was observed. In the more salt tolerant cv. Fengtian, the levels of hexose phosphates and metabolites involved in cellular protection increased in response to salinity. These metabolites remained unchanged in the sensitive cv. Shoutian-2. Interestingly, salt treatment notably increased the rebaudioside A concentration by 53% while at the same time stevioside decreased by 38% in Fengtian which has important implications for controlling the relative amounts of reboudioside A and stevioside. The findings of this study leads to the conclusion that mild salinity stress can increase the yield of sweetener compounds, which is dependent on the cultivar and the level of salinity stress. •Fengtian showed increased levels of steviol glycosides, particularly rebaudioside A.•Salinity stress reduced stevia plant height and biomass, particularly in cultivar Shoutian-2.•Fengtian maintained higher K+/Na+ ratios as compared to Shoutian-2.•Amino acids and amines were the major osmotica in stevia under salinity stress.•Fengtian accumulated higher levels of proline and gluconate.