Possible Utilization of Halophytes as Alternative Crops in Saline Agroecosystems

Abstract

High salinity causes water deficit, ion toxicity, and nutrient deficiency leading to molecular<br><br>damage, growth arrest of plants. Production of halophytes using saline waters and soils is one of<br><br>the most sustainable ways of conservation desert ecosystems. Therefore, in order to study the<br><br>possibility of growing Kochia (Kochia scoparia) as a forage crop in arid environments reach in<br><br>saline underground water, a series of experiments were performed. Germination tests were<br><br>evaluated in germinators under different temperatures (10-40 oC, with 5 oC intervals), and<br><br>salinity levels (0-20 dS/m, 5 dS/m intervals). Growth and development of kochia tested in the<br><br>field in three levels of saline irrigation water (1.5, 8.6 and 28.2 dS/m). The biological yield, leaf<br><br>and stem dry weight, plant height, number of branches, oil yield, protein percentage, protein<br><br>yield were measured. The results showed that kochia can adjust its germination in a wide range<br><br>of temperature, from 3.4 (Tbase) to 49.7 oC (Tmax) and optimum germination temperature of 24<br><br>oC. Salinity negatively influenced the majority of plant\\\\\\'s morphological and physiological<br><br>indices, yet the dry matter accumulation in the highest salinity level reached 60% of plants in<br><br>lower saline levels, and even the moderate salinity caused a little stimulus in plant\\\\\\'s growth and<br><br>yield performance. Results showed that the highest biological and seed yield obtained at 30 and<br><br>20plant m-2 respectively. In Conclusion, the Kochia’s high production capacity in the presence<br><br>of salinity and other desert stresses such as high temperature and drought make this plant<br><br>capable as a forage crop in harsh environmental conditions.