CqGSA1 enhances quinoa seed germination under sodium-alkali stress through the synergistic regulation of abscisic acid and gibberellin

To investigate the response mechanisms of quinoa to salt and saline-alkali combined stress, this study systematically analyzed its molecular regulatory network for salt and alkalinity tolerance through phenotypic physiological detection, transcriptome sequencing, WGCNA analysis, and gene functional validation. Results indicate that both NaCl and NaCl+NaHCO 3 stress inhibit quinoa seed germination and disrupt Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis, with combined stress exhibiting stronger inhibitory effects due to synergistic interactions between ions and high pH. Stress significantly remodels quinoa gene expression patterns, with differentially expressed genes clustered into modules involved in core functions such as signal response and metabolic maintenance. WGCNA screening identified core co-expression modules for salt-alkali tolerance, pinpointing the hub gene CqGSA1 . Functional validation confirmed CqGSA1 as a positive regulator of quinoa salt tolerance. It enhances salt tolerance by coordinating ABA-GA hormone balance and maintaining ion homeostasis. Its expression is co-regulated by salt stress and ABA/GA 3 signaling, positioning it as a key node linking hormone signaling to seed germination under salt stress. This study identified novel molecular targets for salt tolerance in quinoa, laying a solid foundation for ensuring the large-scale industrial application of this crop.