Morpho-physiological and glucomannan biosynthesis- related gene expression of Porang ( Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Under Salinity Stress

Porang ( Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) is a tuber crop that possesses significant potential as an alternative food source, primarily attributed to its substantial glucomannan content. To support the development of porang in Indonesia, it is crucial to focus on expanding its cultivation in saline areas to enhance productivity. This study aims to assess the morphophysiological responses of porang under various saline concentrations over a defined period. Porang was grown in soil treated with various NaCl concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM for 14 days until harvest. The study revealed that salinity stress had a detrimental impact on tuber mass and diameter, root length, plant height, leaf area, stomatal closure, and stomatal density. In terms of physiological changes, the total chlorophyll content, net assimilation rate (NAR), glucomannan content, and transpiration rate were reduced. The study of gene expression showed SuSy2 expression increased up to 1.55-fold at 150 mM, whereas CSLA3 increased up to 3-fold at 100 mM. To conclude, porang has the potential to be cultivated in saline soil up to 50 mM. These outcomes serve as valuable information and genetic resources for the future development of improved porang varieties.