Molecular and morphological signatures of drought and salinity stress in Olea europaea

Introduction: -grown olive plants were exposed to drought and salinity stress and analyzed at morphological, molecular, and biochemical levels. Methods: Plant growth and leaf trichome density were examined by electron microscopy, oxidative damage was assessed by confocal microscopy and biochemical assays, and the expression of key stress-responsive genes was quantified by quantitative RealTime PCR (qRT-PCR). Photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, and anthocyanins were also quantified to evaluate stress-related changes in energy metabolism. Results and discussion: Both stresses significantly impaired plant growth and modified leaf trichome morphology and density. Stress treatments also altered the levels of photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, suggesting a reduction in photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, drought and salinity induced oxidative stress, although to different extent. Together, these observations demonstrated that olive cv. Canino employs coordinated morphological, physiological, and molecular strategies to respond to the adverse effect of drought and salinity. Overall, our findings identify key morphological and molecular signatures associated with drought and salinity responses in olive cv. Canino, providing insights that could support its cultivation in areas affected by these stresses.