Work

Calcium silicate mitigates PEG-6000-induced osmotic stress in in vitro–grown Aechmea blanchetiana (Bromeliaceae) through anatomical, physiological, and biochemical adjustments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Aechmea blanchetiana is a bromeliad endemic to the Atlantic Forest, occurring predominantly in Restinga ecosystems characterized by sandy soils and fluctuations in water availability. This study evaluated the anatomical, physiological, photochemical, biochemical, and morphological responses of in vitro-grown A. blanchetiana previously cultured with calcium silicate (CaSiO₃) and subsequently exposed to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000-induced osmotic stress. Shoots were cultured for 60 days in MS medium without or with 14 µM CaSiO₃ and then transferred to stationary liquid MS medium containing PEG-6000 to impose osmotic potentials of 0, − 4, or − 6 MPa for 30 days. Osmotic stress reduced relative water content (RWC), altered leaf and root anatomy, and impaired photosynthetic performance, particularly at − 6 MPa. CaSiO₃ increased RWC under − 6 MPa and promoted anatomical and photochemical adjustments under − 4 MPa. At − 4 MPa, CaSiO₃ increased chlorophyll a , carotenoid, and total chlorophyll contents and improved photosynthetic performance, increasing PI (Total) while reducing ABS/RC and DI 0 /RC by 36.3% and 51.5%, respectively. CaSiO₃ also increased starch accumulation and reduced sucrose content under osmotic stress. Overall, the effects of CaSiO₃ depended on stress intensity, with the most pronounced beneficial responses occurring at − 4 MPa. Under − 6 MPa, CaSiO₃ improved water retention but did not prevent the decline in photosynthetic performance. Thus, CaSiO₃ contributed to the mitigation of moderate PEG-induced osmotic stress but showed limited protective effects under severe stress in A. blanchetiana .

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-76690-8