Photochemistry and proteomics of mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedlings under NaCl and NaHCO3 stress

Abstract In order to explore the response and adaptation mechanisms of photosynthesis of the leaves of mulberry (Morus alba L.) seedlings to saline-alkali stress. Photosynthetic activity, and the response of related proteomics of M. alba seedling leaves under NaCl and NaHCO3 stress were studied by using chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange technique combined with TMT proteomics. The results showed that NaCl stress had no significant effect on photosystem II (PSII) activity in M. alba seedling leaves. In addition, the expressions of proteins of the PSII oxygen-evolving complex (OEE3-1 and PPD4) and the LHCII antenna (CP24 10A, CP26, and CP29) were increased, and the photosystem I (PSI) activity in the leaves of M. alba seedlings was increased, as well as expressions of proteins, such as PsaF, PsaG, PsaH, PsaL, PsaN, and Ycf4. Under NaHCO3 stress, the activity of PSII and PSI and the expression of their protein complexes and the electron transfer-related proteins significantly decreased. NaCl stress had little effect on RuBP regeneration during dark reaction in the leaves and the expressions of glucose synthesis related proteins and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) did not decrease significantly. The leaves could adapt to NaCl stress by reducing stomatal conductance (Gs) and increasing water use efficiency (WUE). Under NaHCO3 stress, the expression of dark reaction-related proteins was mostly down-regulated, while Gs was reduced, which indicated that non-stomatal factors can be responsible for inhibition of carbon assimilation.