Salt tolerance strategies of Lygeum spartum L.: A new fodder crop for Algerian saline steppes

Soil salinity as a selection pressure is a key determinant for the evolution of salt tolerance in Blue Panicgrass (Panicum antidotale Retz.)

“…Under this situation, exploration and cultivation of tolerant species offer a more practical solution for effective utilization of affected soils. Species found growing on natural saline habitats possess genetic variation, which is the basis of the evolution of salt-tolerant populations in response to the selection pressure of the habitats (Al Sherif, 2009;Ashraf et al, 2006;Nedjimi, 2009). However, the presence of appropriate genetic variation in the gene pool of a species and the occurrence of appropriate natural selection must interact determining the evolution of a particular character.…”

Tolerance and recovery responses of playa halophytes to light, salinity and temperature stresses during seed germination

“…Halophytes are known for their higher productivity under adverse conditions and may be considered as non-conventional cash-crops because of the ability to deal with saline stress successfully (e.g. Al Sherif, 2009;Nedjimi, 2009). These plants exhibit a variety of life history strategies like seed dormancy to cope with seasonal and diurnal environmental fluctuations to meet specific needs for successful completion of germination and subsequent establishment in their respective habitats (Khan et al, 2001b;Vleeshouwers et al, 1995).…”

Effect of Salinity and Temperature on Germination of Lygeum spartum

“…Moreover, it accumulates salt ions in tissues, which adjusts leaf water potential, enabling the plant to maintain cell turgor and limit transpiration under saline conditions. In addition, significant increase in glycine betaine and valine has been noted at 100 mM NaCl [23,25]. In salt stress condition, the leaf water relations were characterized by low osmotic potential and low root hydraulic conductivity [24].…”

“…Many arid and semiarid regions in the world have soils and water resources that are too saline for most of the common conventional crop system [23]. Salt-affected soils are widely spread in many arid and semiarid regions of the world and increasingly threatening agricultural expansion and productivity.…”

“…Lygeum spartum L. (Poaceae) is a salt rhizomatous perennial grass ranging in distribution from Northern Africa that can tolerate extreme conditions of aridity, salinity, and high temperatures [23,24]. The plant propagates by rhizome growth after monsoon rains, and it also produces numerous flowers and seeds from April to July [1].…”