Determination of salt stress tolerance i̇n strawberry varieties

Salt stress significantly limits agricultural productivity worldwide. This study compared morphological, physiological, and molecular responses of two strawberry cultivars, Petaluma and Cabrillo, under 150 mM and 300 mM NaCl treatments. Petaluma demonstrated superior salt tolerance, exhibiting less reduction in growth parameters, lower lipid peroxidation, decreased membrane damage, and better-preserved chlorophyll ratios. Notably, Petaluma accumulated 7.2-fold higher anthocyanin levels at 300 mM NaCl, while Cabrillo showed reduced anthocyanin content. These findings suggest that Petaluma's enhanced salt tolerance results from coordinated regulation of protective mechanisms, particularly anthocyanin biosynthesis, which helps mitigate oxidative damage under salt stress.