Biological and Agronomic Traits of the Main Halophytes Widespread in the Mediterranean Region as Potential New Vegetable Crops

Abstract

Salinity is one of the oldest and most serious environmental problems in the world. The increasingly widespread salinization of soils and water resources represents a growing threat to agriculture around the world. A strategy to cope with this problem is to cultivate salt-tolerant crops and, therefore, it is necessary to identify plant species that are naturally adapted to high-salinity conditions. In this review, we focus our attention on some plant species that can be considered among the most representative halophytes of the Mediterranean region; they can be potential resources, such as new or relatively new vegetable crops, to produce raw or minimally processed (or ready-to-eat) products, considering their nutritional properties and nutraceuticals. The main biological and agronomic characteristics of these species and the potential health risks due to mycotoxigenic fungi have been analyzed and summarized in a dedicated section. The objective of this review is to illustrate the main biological and agronomical characteristics of the most common halophytic species in the Mediterranean area, which could expand the range of leafy vegetables on the market.

Growth and Mineral Relations of Beta vulgaris var. cicla and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Cultivated Hydroponically with Diluted Seawater and Low Nitrogen Level in the Nutrient Solution

“…Swiss chard is sensitive to salinity, especially at germination and seedling stage [8], but it is quite tolerant at adult stage [9]. Swiss chard is a popular leafy vegetable around the world, which it is mainly used cooked, as a side dish or in soups [10]. Sea beet is a wild ancestor of all beet crops, which grows naturally in coastal areas, salt marsh, and saline regions in the Mediterranean area and in northern Europe [10].…”

“…Swiss chard is a popular leafy vegetable around the world, which it is mainly used cooked, as a side dish or in soups [10]. Sea beet is a wild ancestor of all beet crops, which grows naturally in coastal areas, salt marsh, and saline regions in the Mediterranean area and in northern Europe [10]. Its leaves are usually eaten cooked [11].…”

Salinity Tolerance, Ion Accumulation Potential and Osmotic Adjustment In Vitro and In Planta of Different Armeria maritima Accessions from a Dry Coastal Meadow

“…Halophyte species, native to salt-affected habitats, represent a valuable resource for studies of physiological mechanisms related to salinity tolerance [ 11 , 12 ]. Usually the most common approach has been to use single halophytic model species or one halophyte and one glycophyte species [ 13 ], and to assess changes in different biochemical and physiological parameters, preferably over a gradient of salinity.…”

Salsola soda as selenium biofortification crop under high saline and boron growing conditions

“…Consequently, yields are controlled strongly by the growers’ self-determination of harvest date. We also observed in 2021 that planting directly by seed resulted in a more tender shoot (less stem-like material) a physical characteristic that is more desirable for human consumption, especially for consumers in the Mediterranean region ( Renna and Gonnella, 2020 ; Lombardi et al, 2022 ). Importantly there was no wood-like stem, which is common physical trait when harvesting transplanted agretti.…”