Analysis of widely targeted metabolites of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa under saline conditions provides new insights into salt tolerance and nutritional value in halophytic species

BACKGROUND: Suaeda salsa L. (S. salsa) is an annual euhalophyte with high salt tolerance and high value as an oil crop, traditional Chinese medicine and vegetable. However, there are few comprehensive studies on the metabolomics of S. salsa under saline conditions. RESULTS: Seedlings of S. salsa were cultured with 0, 200 and 500 mM NaCl for two days. Then, widely targeted metabolites were detected with ultra performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 639 metabolites were annotated. Among these, 253 metabolites were differential metabolites. Salt treatment increased the content of certain metabolites, such as nucleotide and its derivates, organic acids, the content of amino acids, lipids such as α-linolenic acid, and certain antioxidants such as quercetin. These substances may be correlated to osmotic tolerance, increased antioxidant activity, and medical and nutritional value in the species. CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively analyzed the metabolic response of S. salsa under salinity from the perspective of omics, and provides an important theoretical basis for understanding salt tolerance and evaluating nutritional value in the species. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12870-019-2006-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.