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The increasing salinization of agricultural soils urges us to find alternative and sustainable farming systems in order to allow the exploitation of areas that are otherwise becoming less suitable for conventional crops. Thanks to their adaptation to extreme saline conditions, halophytes are promising plants for resilient farming systems, such as intercropping with glycophytes, to ameliorate their productivity in saline soils. This research aimed to evaluate whether the nutritional profile and the content of some health-promoting compounds of the edible portion of Salicornia europaea were influenced by its cultivation in consociation with tomato plants. Moreover, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of S. europaea were studied to characterize its bioactivity. The farming system did not influence the concentration of nutrients and bioactive compounds, except for flavonoids. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Salicornia extract suggested the importance of this halophyte for animal and human health.

Endophytic fungi are known to be present in roots of salt marsh plants, but their ecological role in this symbiosis is still largely unknown. Generally considered parasitic or saprophytic, they may still be mutualistic, at least under certain circumstances. Among salt marsh plants, Salicornia spp. are recognized as particularly salt-tolerant and their frequent colonization by root endophytes has also been reported. This study aimed to investigate whether the inoculation of Salicornia with different root endophytes isolated from field-collected Salicornia affects biomass production, nutrient uptake and photosynthesis (assessed via chlorophyll fluorescence). In addition, we investigated whether fungal inoculation confers tolerance to salt stress given that endophytes are suggested to increase salt tolerance and improve plant fitness in other less salt-tolerant plants. The inoculation of Salicornia with an isolate of the genus Stemphylium positively influenced total biomass production and nitrogen concentration in roots at optimum salinity condition (150 mM NaCl). However, under salt stress (650 mM NaCl), no significant effects of fungal inoculation on biomass production and photosynthesis were observed. Further, positive and negative effects of fungal inoculation on nutrient concentrations were observed in roots and shoots, respectively. Our results indicate that different endophytic fungi and their interaction result in distinct fungal species-specific plant growth responses of Salicornia under different growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity adversely affects growth and yield of crop plants. Plants respond to salinity using a series of physiological and biochemical mechanisms through an orchestrated regulation of many genes. Halophyte species have attracted attention of plant biologists to explore their salinity tolerance mechanisms. This knowledge may provide novel routes to improve salinity stress tolerance in crop plants resulting in higher sustainable yields. Salicornia persica is an Iranian native halophyte species that can tolerate extreme salinity. We performed Illumina high-throughput RNA sequencing and functional annotation on shoots of S. persica under control and salinity conditions to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling salinity adaptation in this halophyte. Over 68 million and 65 million clean reads were generated from control and salinity-treated libraries, respectively. We identified 1595 differentially expressed genes including several transcription factors, protein kinases and transporters. Functional annotation analysis suggested that energy homeostasis and synthesis of primary metabolites play key roles for salinity adaptation in S. persica. Furthermore, gene network analysis indicated that abscisic acid and calcium signaling as well as sodium compartmentalization are major components to confer tolerance to salinity in S. persica. This first report on transcriptome analysis of the halophyte S. persica provided insight into the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance and served as a platform for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histories of ocean science have emphasized the ways that state-sponsored deep-sea expeditions ushered in a new age of oceanic understanding during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This essay, on the other hand, examines the ways that shallow waters played host to less formal but nevertheless important efforts to create oceanic natural knowledge, often centuries earlier. By documenting the legends and experiences of people who worked on and lived by the ocean—divers, sailors, and fishermen, among others—and corroborating their stories with firsthand observation, seventeenth- and early eighteenth-century natural historians built a nascent science of the sea. In its close focus on "sea beans" and "barnacle geese," subjects of wide conjecture and earnest curiosity, the essay shows how shallow waters welcomed new actors onto the scientific stage and decentered the geographies of knowledge production, thereby advancing contemporary knowledge of oceanic circulation as well as the taxonomies and ecologies of coastal creatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete survey is presented on the inorganic composition of the euhalophyte annual succulent species Salicornia patula (Chenopodiaceae), including materials from the Iberian Peninsula, littoral-coastal Tinto River basin areas (SW Spain: Huelva province), and mainland territories (NW and central Spain: Zamora and Toledo provinces). The aim of this contribution is to characterize the elemental composition of the selected populations and their soils and compare the relationship between them and the macro- and micronutrient plant intake; all these nutrients may allow this species to be considered an edible plant. Using analytical techniques such as ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), our results revealed high values of Na and K followed by Ca, Mg, Fe and Sr in stems. These data demonstrate the importance of annual halophytic species as edible plants and their potential uses in phytoremediation procedures involving soils with certain heavy metals (Pb, Sr, As, Cu, Zn). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicornia with low water requirement and resistant to drought and salinity is one of the halophyte plants that grows well in saline areas with high salinity and is an important source of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants. Due to the physiological structure of this plant, its rapid deterioration at post-harvest stages causes the destruction and degradation of its nutritional value and increases the post-harvest losses of this plant. Therefore, it is necessary to use appropriate post harvest treatments in order to increase the shelf-life and maintain the nutritional values of this plant. Since there has been no comprehensive research on the post harvest technologies of Salicornia, in order to increase the shelf-life and fresh quality of the product, so, simultaneously with the development of cultivation and production of this plant in different parts of the country, this study was carried out with the aim of investigating and introduction of the most appropriate storage conditions of this plant. Product storage at ambient temperature (25°C) showed that fresh salicornia had a good appearance and marketability only for up to 3 days. Evaluation of the appearance of salicornia and its weight loss during storage showed that at low temperature (4°C) and suitable relative humidity (90 to 95%), in comparison with temperature and environmental conditions, the apparent, physicochemical and, as a result, salicornia marketability, was better preserved and the product weight loss was lower. The effects of storage time, temperature and their interaction on Salicornia plant weight loss were significant (P<0.001). Furthermore, except for acidity, storage time had a significant effect (P<0.001) on moisture content, respiration rate, salinity and pH of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the potential of two halophytes for fresh salads. Sarcocornia perennis (SAR) and Salicornia ramosissima (SAL) plant tips were harvested in May and July, and stored at 4 °C for 14 days. At harvest, mineral analyses (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, N, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd), chlorophyll content, protein, β-carotene and ascorbic acid were performed. Color (CIELab), phenolics, antioxidant activity and microbial contamination were measured at harvest and after 14 days storage at 4 °C, and a taste panel evaluated the products. SAL had generally slightly higher values of vitamin C, phenols and carotenoids than SAR. In SAR after 14 days of storage, the levels of phenols and the antioxidant activity were higher than at harvest, both in May and July. The opposite was observed for SAL. In this case, only the antioxidant activity was higher after 14 days of storage. Microbial contamination was very low, not reaching even half of critical limits. Both halophytes had good nutritional value, being suitable for use as fresh salads which can be stored for up to 14 days at 4 °C. SAR seems to be a better source of antioxidants, Ca and Fe than SAL and has less general quality and nutritional value changes from harvest time through cold storage. Fresh tips of both halophytes showed better appearance and nutritional quality when harvested in the early season (May) than at the end of the season (July). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to monitor the accumulation of minerals and to measure nitrite and nitrite anions in different organs of Salicornia plant in Tehran province (Varamin) to study the pattern of accumulation of these elements in different organs for human consumption of this plant. Measurements of iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, sodium and potassium elements, and also nitrate and nitrite anions were performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), Flame Photometric Spectrophotometer and Spectrophotometer respectively. The highest amount of ash in shoot (22.95 ± 0.49%) and the lowest in root (7.36 ± 0.12%) were based on dry weight. Generally, the nitrite content of different organs of Salicornia has been significantly less than nitrate in the same organ. Due to the presence of sodium and potassium ions, and useful nutritional elements, it can be a good alternative to table salt. Based on the results of this study, the green aerial parts of Salicornia can be used as source of minerals. Considering the highest level of nitrite and nitrate in the shoot (317.14 and 16.67mg/100gr dry weight respectively) and comparing them with the their comparison with international standard values was in the range of very low-nitrate vegetables (lower than 200 ppm) such as artichoke, asparagus, pepper and tomato and it can be consumed without problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdução: A economia circular é uma oportunidade de transformar a economia e gerar vantagens competitivas sustentáveis, nomeadamente a valorização de produtos alimentares através da sua desidratação. Objetivo: Com o objetivo final de estudar o efeito de diferentes condições termodinâmicas de desidratação de produtos alimentares através de um secador solar, foi realizada a caraterização inicial de salicórnia, framboesa e mirtilos. Métodos: A caraterização dos produtos basou-se na determinação do teor de humidade, teor de cinzas, proteínas, gorduras, compostos fenólicos totais e a capacidade antioxidante. Resultados: O teor de água nos três produtos é elevado, e semelhante, variando entre os 84 a 86%, enquanto que relativamente ao teor de cinzas, expresso em peso húmido, registou-se o maior valor na salicórnia (6,25%) seguido de valores relativamente reduzidos para a framboesa (0,98%) e para os mirtilos (0,29%). No que diz respeito à proteína os valores obtidos foram menores que 2% e o teor de gordura revelou-se baixo, com valores inferiores a 0,5% nos três produtos. O teor em compostos fenólicos totais (CFT) encontrado foi de 13,5; 19,4 e 35,1 mg EAG/100 g para a salicórnia, framboesas e mirtilos, respetivamente. A atividade antioxidante apresentou valores de 23,8; 34,8; e 41,7 mg EAA/100 g para a salicórnia, framboesas e para os mirtilos, respetivamente. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos confirmam o elevado interesse nutricional dos produtos sendo o processo de desidratação uma forma de aumentar a sua vida útil nomeadamente na potencial preservação dos seus teores de compostos fenólicos e antioxidantes que serão testados em fases seguintes do presente projeto de investigação.

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.

Halophyte plants are salt-tolerant and are acclimated for growth in saline soils such as along coastal areas. Among the halophytes, the Salicornia species have been used as both folk medicine and functional food for many years due to their high levels of bioactive compounds with supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the properties of Salicornia bioactive extracts on pain and itching still remain unclear. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were randomized to treatments with 10% Salicornia-based cream or placebo cream for 24 or 48 h. On day 0, and 24 or 48 h post cream application, cold/heat detection and pain thresholds, mechanical pain thresholds and sensitivity, trans-epidermal water loss, histamine- and cowhage-evoked itch, and micro-vascular reactivity (neurogenic inflammation) were assessed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-pruritogenic and vasomotor effects. Skin permeability was reduced in the Salicornia-treated area for 48 h compared with 24 h application (p-value < 0.05). After 48 h of application, a decrease in mechanical-evoked itching (hyperkinesis) compared with 24 h treatment (p-value < 0.05) and increased warm detection and heat pain thresholds (p-value < 0.05) was found. Histamine-induced neurogenic inflammation showed a significant reduction in the cream-treated areas after 48 h compared with 24 h (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate the overall inhibitory effect of Salicornia on hyperkinesis (mechanically evoked itch), the analgesic effect on thermal sensation, and modulation of the skin barrier architecture. Further studies are needed for the assessment of the long-term effects.

Halophytes are plants able to tolerate high salt concentrations. Among the many applications they have found, one is the phytoremediation of pollutants from the environment. Salt phytoremediation by halophytes is a field of research that has recently attracted the attention of researchers in the field. The present study is devoted to the phytoremediation of salt using the halophytic plant Salicornia europaea. The hydroponic system was employed at three salinity levels (EC~ 2,000, 6,000, and 10,000 µs/cm) with a retention time of 7 days. Electrical Conductivity (EC) and concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and chloride ions were measured before and after treatment with S. europaea. Finally, reductions in the parameter were calculated and reported as percents. The plant was found capable of reducing EC by 16.75, 17.05, and 18.11% for calcium ion concentrations of 28.71, 27.18, and 40.43%, magnesium ion concentrations of 31.64, 25.35, and 17.46%, sodium ion concentrations of 20.41, 17.29, and 23.89%, and chloride ion concentrations of 23.24, 18.84, and 22.16% at EC~2,000, 6,000, and 10,000 µs/cm, respectively. S. europaea is a crop that can be irrigated with saline water. Based on the results of this study, it may be recommended as a potential candidate for salt phytoremediation

spp. are traditionally used in Asia as food, forage and medicine. In the West, its popularity has been increasing as an alternative to salt. Nevertheless, the potential presence of contaminants needs to be considered. Hence this study, which aimed to investigate the presence of potentially mycotoxigenic fungi and the occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in Salicornia sampled in Portugal. Fungi isolation was performed by the direct plating technique in selective media. The mycotoxins contamination levels were determined by an Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). The results suggest that Salicornia is highly susceptible to fungi infestation, e.g. by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Relevant levels of AFB1 > 5 µg/Kg and total aflatoxins (sum of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) > 10 µg/Kg were found in various samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of the oil % in a representative sample of Salicorniabigelovii seeds with different extraction methods using some of the organic solvents to reach the best economic one and determination of the effect of S. bigelovii cultivation under different conditions of irrigation and fertilization on the percentage, composition, and nutrition value of oil were done. From the International Training Centre-Mariut, Alexandria, we obtained representative samples of Salicornia bigelovii seeds which are collected from the sea coast and 17 samples of S. bigelovii seeds which are subjected to different treatments of irrigation and fertilization. The oil % in a blank sample (B) was determined using different solvents (hexane, hexane-isopropanol, and ethanol) with variant methods (shaker, conventional, and ultrasonic). Oil % in 17 samples was evaluated by the ultrasonic probe technique using ethanol. The oil composition was determined in all samples by GC analysis. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in the residue were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and colorimetric method, respectively. Results: The ethanol has higher extraction efficiency and the ultrasonic probe recovered higher oil % in the blank sample. Seventeen samples of S. bigelovii cultivated under different combined treatments of fertilization and irrigation recorded oil % less than the blank sample. The fatty acids profile cleared that the oil of cultivated samples (17 samples) had power for biodiesel production with high ignition properties and good stability due to the high cetane number and a high percentage of palmitic acid. The nutrition value of the blank sample is higher than that of the other 17 samples. The polyunsaturated fatty acids in the blank sample represent > 63% of the total fatty acids. Conclusion: The different combined treatments of fertilization and irrigation of S. bigelovii changed the fatty acid profiles of all samples, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids were recognized as the most abundant saturated fatty acids. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents differed in the sample to another one but less than their contents in the blank sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the salinated arid soil ecosystems is important for developing novel biological solutions for dryland agriculture. The present work reports isolation, screening and identification of two strains from salt-affected soils of Latakia (Syria) and Aral Sea basin (Uzbekistan): Gracilibacillus sp. Str01 and Halomonas sp. Str02. Nitrogenase activity of Gracilibacillus sp. Str01 and Halomonas sp. Str02 (as acetylene reduction) was 2.24 ± 0.61 and 0.63 ± 0.11 C2H4 nmol h–1, respectively and these strains may be considered free-living diazotrophic bacteria from arid saline soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-five actinobacterial isolates obtained from Salicornia bigelovii rhizosphere in the United Arab Emirates were evaluated for their potential to produce polyamines and for their abilities to be rhizosphere-competent. The highly polyamine-producing Actinoplanes deccanensis UAE1 and Streptomyces euryhalinus UAE1 were selected, and their inoculation impacts on S. bigelovii were assessed under greenhouse conditions. Application of any of the two isolates significantly increased the length and dry weight of shoot and root tissues, photosynthetic pigments, and seed yields compared to control plants, suggesting that A. deccanensis and S. euryhalinus can promote S. bigelovii growth. The application of these isolates resulted in significant increases in the levels of endogenous free polyamines and plant growth regulators (auxins, gibberellic acid, and cytokinins), but a concomitant reduction in abscisic acid in S. bigelovii-tested tissues. Specifically, we found that putrescine, spermidine, and spermine produced by S. euryhalinus were the major contributors to plant growth parameters, but to a lesser extent by A. deccanensis. Both A. deccanensis and S. euryhalinus were, however, not capable of producing significant levels of other plant growth regulators in vitro. Plant yield was higher in the presence of S. euryhalinus than with A. deccanensis, suggesting relative superiority of S. euryhalinus as a rhizosphere-competent isolate compared to the nonrhizosphere-competent isolate A. deccanensis. This is the first study reporting the production of polyamines by marine actinobacteria and demonstrating the potential of polyamine-producing actinobacteria to enhance growth of halophytic plants through the increase in the endogenous levels of free polyamines and other plant growth regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the major threat of phytopathogenic bacteria to food production and ecosystem stability worldwide, novel alternatives to conventional chemicals-based agricultural practices are needed to combat these bacteria. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of Pseudomonas segetis strain P6, which was isolated from the Salicornia europaea rhizosphere, to act as a potential biocontrol agent given its plant growth-promoting (PGP) and quorum quenching (QQ) activities. Seed biopriming and in vivo assays of tomato plants inoculated with strain P6 resulted in an increase in seedling height and weight. We detected QQ activity, involving enzymatic degradation of signal molecules in quorum sensing communication systems, against a broad range of N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). HPLC-MRM data and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the QQ enzyme was an acylase. The QQ activity of strain P6 reduced soft rot symptoms caused by Dickeya solani, Pectobacterium atrosepticum and P. carotovorum on potato and carrot. In vivo assays showed that the PGP and QQ activities of strain P6 protect tomato plants against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, indicating that strain P6 could have biotechnological applications. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show PGP and QQ activities in an indigenous Pseudomonas strain from Salicornia plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northwest of Mexico, a desert zone, new alternatives are required to satisfy the needs of food in goats; evidence indicate that feeding with Salicornia bigelovii forage, could be a contribution to goat obtaining system. Regarding to this halophyte, the information related to its use as a forage supplement in Sonora desert is very limited, specifically in goats. The goal of this study consist to analyze to Salicornia bigelovii about nutritional composition as a forage in pregnant goats, evaluating the weight of goat kids at birth, their average weight gain daily, the weight at weaning, as well as milk production goats from mothers. The diet was based on Salicornia and Alfalfa (Treatment 1: fully fed (100% Salicornia bigelovii) (96% dry matter, 14% crude protein, 17% crude fiber and 45% nitrogen-free extract). Treatment 2: fed totally (100%) with alfalfa (90% dry matter, 18% crude protein, 24% crude fiber and 52% nitrogen-free extract), 20 experimental units per treatment were analyzed. The daily dry matter provided to each experimental unit (dry matter/goat/daily) was 600 g. The results indicate that hay-based forage of Salicornia can used as a forage ingredient, but is not essential in Creole goat's diet, since it benefited positively the growth of goat kids and milk production. It is important to carry out evaluations with the halophyte Salicornia in different variables of obtaining goats, by using diets based on other forage species alternatives such as salty grass and coquia, among and other native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because water scarcity anticipated to increase within the destiny in particular with growing global population and the rise in prosperity problem of the shortage of water suitable for cultivation of meals plants inside the global is growing in arid and semiarid regions. There is the call to discover some other plant resource that doesn’t need freshwater i.e. able to grow using seawater. It is worth to note that Salicornia sp. and Sarcocornia sp. may be grown at the seawater. Currently, considered one of the most crucial issues dealing with Egypt is a way to provide food within the frame of limiting to be had soils for cultivation, limitation of water resources, especially after Ethiopian Nahda Dam and growing in population. Accordingly, the use of halophytes forage plants (Salicornia and Sarcocornia) using seawater has emerged as one in all the most exciting and intelligent research points. Therefore, a case observe was carried out in 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the nutritional status of Salicornia and Sarcocornia plants which can be grown on salty water in the North Coast of Egypt. Five samples of Salicornia and Sarcocornia amassed from Damietta Port Said coastal road and identified depends on phenotypic homes to Sarcocornia perennis (DA), Sarcocornia perennis (PS), Sarcocornia fruticosa, Salicornia europaea and Salicornia herbacea. Proximate composition analyses were carried out. It turned into obtrusive that, among dry biomass, carbohydrate has become in the most important proximate compositions in the Sarcocornia sp. and Salicornia sp. Tissues observed through ash. Molecular evaluation by SCoT techniques turned into done for Salicornia and Sarcocornia. The SCoT molecular marker techniques reach producing reproducible and dependable amplicons. Even though that the SCoT technique became higher in assessment for molecular variety and discrimination ability for all studied Salicornia and Sarcocornia. The results obtained have shown that the high nutritional value of the plant in terms of protein content, carbohydrates content and as a result, it is suitable for food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halotolerant Halomonas spp. SpR1 and SpR8 are potential plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) isolated from Salicornia rhizosphere in a Chilean Altiplano hydrothermal lagoon. We report draft genomes of Halomonas sp. SpR1 (5.17Mb) and Halomonas sp. SpR8 (4.47 Mb). Both represent potentially novel independent species closely related to Halomonas boliviensis DSM 15516 T ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The Salicornia species have been used for treatment and prevention of a various diseases. To the best of my knowledge, little information is regarding the antioxidant and protective activities of lipid extract from Salicornia Arabica (SALE). The objectives of this present work were designed to determine the in vitro antioxidant activities of SALE against cadmium-induced toxicity in erythrocytes isolated from rats. The distribution of fatty acid reflected the richness in saturated fatty acids that were predominated by palmitic acid. Our analysis showed that the major fatty acid components were palmitic acid (47.78%), linoleic acid (17.75%), followed by nanadecenoic acid (10.96%). Minor fatty acids including lignoseric acid and palmatoleic acid (C16:0). The in vitro antioxidant activity of SALE was evaluated using both test DPPH and ABTS assays. An important antioxidant potential was observed. The protective potential of SALE was evaluated by estimating the levels of stress markers like MDA concentration and SOD, CAT and GPx activities. Our results showed that cadmium significantly decreased the SOD, CAT and GPx activities in erythrocytes homogenates and enhanced lipid peroxidation. The pre-treatment with SALE ameliorated antioxidant status and inhibited MDA level in erythrocytes. In conclusion, the lipid isolated from S. arabica showed protective potential against Cd-induced erythrocytes damage, which could be related to active compounds present in this fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum is one of the critical environmental pollutants. Salicornia can grow in petroleum-contaminated soil. Therefore, the potential of two Iranian Salicornia species, S. persica Akhani and S. iranica Akhani, for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with 0.2% or 2% petroleum was evaluated over short (1 and 10 h) and long (100 days) periods of time. In addition, some key factors including the expression analysis of phytoene synthase, physiological and morphological factors were studied. Both species reduced the petroleum in 0.2% and 2% petroleum-contaminated soils to 40% and 60% of the initial amount, respectively. The expression of PSY increased twice more than the control 10 h after 0.2% petroleum stress and the carotenoid content increased twice more than the control. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll decreased three times less than the control in both contamination levels, while chlorophyll b decreased three times less than the control only in 2% contamination. The proline content peaked 10 h after 2% stress as it was 10 times more than the control. Promoter analysis of PSY showed the existence of responsive cis-acting elements to abscisic acid suggesting the key role of this gene in abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at assessing the benefits of phosphate and calcium supplementation to support the growth of Salicornia persica exposed to varying intensities of salinity stress. To achieve this, various concentrations of calcium and phosphorus applied at different levels of salinity under greenhouse conditions with three replications. Under the higher levels of salinity, the decline in shoot biomass is accomplished by the enhancement of leaf water potential. Salinity-challenged plants accumulated both Na+ and soluble sugars, while their content of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions as well as that of phosphate declined. Supplementation with either calcium or phosphate reduced the uptake of Na, K, and Mg. At 200 mM or 300 mM salinity levels, the plants' sucrose, fructose, and glucose contents were all correlated with the concentration of calcium. Phosphate supplementation increased the soluble sugar content. Therefore, both calcium and phosphate treatment can be used to ameliorate the biomass production of S. persica in moderate level of salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline agriculture and the crop cultivation of halophytes represent an alternative for the reclamation of salinized soils and for the management of irrigation water. Halotolerant plant growth promoting bacteria with biocontrol effect, as an alternative to commercial fungicides, may contribute to improve crop productivity while mitigating saline stress effects. The objective of this work was to isolate autochthonous rhizobacteria with biocontrol features, to be used as germination enhancers and plant‐growth promoting agents in the crop cultivation of Salicornia ramosissima. A set of isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of S. ramosissima was characterised in terms of Gram, motility, salt tolerance and biocontrol traits (hydrogen cyanide production, antifungal activity and production of extracellular lipases and proteases). One Gram‐positive motile isolate that tested positive for all biocontrol traits was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus aryabhattai. The inoculation of S. ramosissima seeds with B. aryabhattai SP1016‐20 reduced the negative effect of salinity on the germination efficiency. At the highest tested salinity (30 g/L NaCl) the final germination efficiency of inoculated seeds doubled in relation to non‐inoculated controls. Although the mechanisms involved in the biocontrol effect were not defined in the current work, the results highlight the potential of Bacillus aryabhattai SP1016‐20 as a plant‐growth promoting agent for the crop cultivation of Salicornia and contribute to the strengthening of the scientific basis of biosaline agriculture and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria‐assisted crop cultivation of halophytes in saline soils and estuarine sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A 45-days long climatic chamber experiment was design to evaluate the effect of 400 and 700 ppm atmospheric CO 2 treatments with and without soil water logging in combination with 171 and 510 mM NaCl in the halophyte Salicornia ramosissima. In order to ascertain the possible synergetic impact of these factors associate to climatic change in this plant species physiological and growth responses. Our results indicated that elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration improved plant physiological performance under suboptimal root-flooding and saline conditions plants. Thus, this positive impact was mainly ascribed to an enhancement of energy transport efficiency, as indicated the greater P G , N and Sm values, and the maintaining of carbon assimilation capacity due to the higher net photosynthetic rate (A N) and water use efficiency (i WUE). This could contribute to reduce the risk of oxidative stress owing to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, plants grown at 700 ppm had a greater capacity to cope with flooding and salinity synergistic impact by a greater efficiency in the modulation in enzyme antioxidant machinery and by the accumulation of osmoprotective compounds and saturated fatty acids in its tissues. These responses indicate that atmospheric CO 2 enrichment would contribute to preserve the development of Salicornia ramosissima against the ongoing process of increment of soil stressful conditions linked with climatic change. Highlights • Positive effect under root-flooding and salinity was due to ameliorative effects on sink capacity at high CO 2 concentration. • Plants grown under elevated CO 2 showed a better water balance, even at high salinity as the i WUE values showed. • Salinity stress defense mechanisms, such as betain or superoxide dismutase activity, were enhanced by high CO 2 concentration. • Great presence in saturated fatty acids at high atmospheric CO 2 could be ascribed to an improvement in the PSII function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Salinity is among the most detrimental and diffuse environmental stresses. Halophytes are plants that developed the ability to complete their life cycle under high salinity. In this work, a mass spectrometric metabolomic approach was applied to comparatively investigate the secondary metabolism processes involved in tolerance to salinity in three halophytes, namely S. brachiata, S. maritima and S. portulacastrum. Regarding osmolytes, the level of proline was increased with NaCl concentration in S. portulacastrum and roots of S. maritima , whereas glycine betaine and polyols were accumulated in S. maritima and S. brachiata. Important differences between species were also found regarding oxidative stress balance. In S. brachiata , the amount of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds increased in presence of NaCl, whereas these metabolites were down regulated in S. portulacastrum , who accumulated carotenoids. Furthermore, distinct impairment of membrane lipids, hormones, alkaloids and terpenes was observed in our species under salinity. Finally, several other nitrogen containing compounds were involved in response to salinity, including amino acids, serotonin and polyamine conjugates. In conclusion, metabolomics highlighted that the specific mechanism each species adopted to achieve acclimation to salinity differed in the three halophytes considered, although response osmotic stress and oxidative imbalance have been confirmed as the key processes underlying NaCl tolerance. Highlights • The metabolomic profile of different halophytes was investigated at different NaCl levels. • S. brachiata, S. maritima and S. portulacastrum exhibited distinctive responses to salinity. • Differences in osmolytes accumulation and oxidative stress balance were observed. • Membrane lipids, hormones and nitrogen compounds were also affected by salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses which affect plant growth and productivity by imposing dual stress, ionic and osmotic stress, on plants. Halophytes which are adapted to complete their life cycle in saline soil keep the transcript expression of stress-responsive genes constitutively higher in the optimum growth environments, which can be further increased by several folds under stress conditions. The transcript expression of SbNHX1 gene, cloned from a leafless succulent halophyte Salicornia brachiata , was up-regulated under salinity stress, but its transcriptional regulation has not been studied so far. In the present study, a 1727 bp putative promoter (upstream to translation start site) of the SbNHX1 gene was cloned using a genome walking method. The bioinformatics analysis identified important stress-responsive cis- regulatory motifs, GT1, MBS, LTR and ARE, in addition to two leaf-specific enhancer motifs. The GUS expression analysis of stable transgenic tobacco plants, transformed with a transcriptional fusion of GUS with the full SbNHX1 promoter (NP1) or any of its five deletion fragments (NP2 to NP6), showed that the deletion of two enhancer motifs resulted in the sudden decrease in GUS expression in leaves but not in the stem or root tissues. In contrast, under salinity stress, the higher induction of GUS expression observed in NP1 and NP2 was correlated by the presence of salt-inducible GT1- and MBS-motifs which is distributed only in NP1 and NP2 deletion promoter fragments. Finally, we concluded that the SbNHX1 promoter has a 624 bp (−1727 to −1103 bp) regulatory region which contains the two leaf-specific enhancer motifs and salinity stress-inducible GT-1 and MBS motifs. We suggest the SbNHX1 gene promoter and fragments as a candidate alternative promoter/s for crop engineering for better stress tolerance, which can be amended according to the desired level of expression needed. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • SbNHX1 upregulated under salinity but its transcriptional regulation was not known. • SbNHX1 gene promoter contains stress responsive cis- regulatory motifs. • Motifs: GT1, MBS, LTR, ARE, and leaf specific two enhancer motifs • SbNHX1 promoter has a 624 bp regulatory region for higher transcript expression. • SbNHX1 gene promoter: identify two key enhancer motifs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although nickel (Ni) is useful and is used in various industries, it is one of the most usual and important sources of heavy metals pollutants in the world. In this study, Salicornia iranica was used in order to phytoremediate Ni-contaminated soil. Possible mechanisms of plant tolerance to Ni pollution and its detoxification were studied through using expression analysis of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and measurement of involved key physiological components. The concentration of the chlorophylls a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids were significantly decreased in 500 mg/kg Ni at 3, 24, 48 h, and 90 days after the treatment. Free proline significantly increased in the tissues. The absorption and concentration of Ni increased in tissues, so that Ni concentration at 50, 250, and 500 mg Ni/kg soil significantly increased to 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 fold compared with the lowest Ni level respectively. In addition, the GST expression was significantly increased both in the 50 and 500 mg/kg Ni treatment. The highest concentration of Ni affected plant growth parameters such as the root and shoot lengths. Therefore, S. iranica is able to accumulate Ni and it can be used as an environmental biotechnological study for phytoremediation of Ni-polluted soils. Abbreviations: ABA: abscisic acid; ABRE: ABA-responsive element; As+3: arsenic; Cd2+: cadmium; ef1: elongation factor; FW: fresh weight; GSH: glutathione; GST: glutathione-S-transferase; GSTU: tau class GST; Hcl: hydrochloric acid; Hg2+: mercury; HgCl2: mercury(II) chloride; MYB: myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog; Ni+2: nickel; Pb: lead; SiGSTU: Salicornia iranica GSTU; ZnSO4: zinc sulfate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • In S. fruticosa , NHX and the aquaporins PIP and TIP play an important role in leaf growth at moderate salinity. • PIP and TIP are related to the regulation of a leaf solute partitioning. • Differential metabolite distribution along the leaf was salt-intensity dependent. • A high correlation between the osmotic potential and TIP expression evidences the effect of osmotic pressure on tonoplast aquaporins. Abstract The halophyte Salicornia fruticosa is able to tolerate a wide range of salinity. Since the cellular distribution of ions and solutes within leaves can be linked to the mechanisms to cope with salt stress, the aim of this work was to stablish the relation between the solute gradient along S. fruticosa leaves, distinguishing two parts: leaf base and apex, and the physiological parameters involved in response to distinct salt levels. For that, plants were grown at 0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl, and plant growth, leaf gas exchange parameters and water status were measured as well as leaf ion and metabolite content. Also, their relation with the transcript levels of the NHX1 antiporter and PIP1 and TIP aquaporins was determined. Plant growth was optimal at 200 mM NaCl and was decreased at 300 mM. At 200 mM NaCl, these proteins play an important role in leaf growth through a differential Na and water partitioning between the leaf base and apex that regulates a progressive leaf solute gradient. At 300 mM NaCl, no differential expression of NHX and aquaporins in both parts of the leaf was found. However, the transcript levels were elevated according to an increased vacuolar osmotic pressure and a high organic solute content in the cytosol. At the individual level distinct malic acid and glucose partitioning was observed. All the data indicated that NHX and the aquaporins PIP and TIP exerted a dual function according to the salt intensity and are involved in the regulation of leaf solute partitioning; this could be useful in order to estimate plant availability for Na+ accumulation in a further bioremediation study. All the data indicated that leaf solute partitioning depended on salt intensity where NHX and the aquaporins PIP and TIP exerted an important and dual function favouring a different Na and water distribution in the leaf cells. This could be useful in order to estimate plant availability for Na+ accumulation in a further bioremediation study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increase in soil salinity poses an enormous problem for agriculture and highlights the need for sustainable crop production solutions. Plant growth-promoting bacteria can be used to boost the growth of halophytes in saline soils. Salicornia is considered to be a promising salt-accumulating halophyte for capturing large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. In addition, colonization and chemotaxis could play an important role in Salicornia-microbe interactions. In this study, the role of chemotaxis in the colonization of the halophilic siredophore-producing bacteria, Halomonas anticariensis FP35T, on Salicornia hispanica plants was investigated. The chemotactic response of FP35T to Salicornia root exudates showed optimum dependence at a salt concentration of 5 % NaCl (w/v). Oleanolic acid, the predominant compound in the exudates detected by HPLC and identified by UPLC-HRMS Q-TOF, acts as a chemoattractant. In vitro experiments demonstrated the enhanced positive effects of wild-type H. anticariensis strain FP35T on root length, shoot length, germination and the vigour index of S. hispanica. Furthermore, these positive effects partially depend on an active chemotaxis system, as the chemotaxis mutant H. anticariensis FP35 ΔcheA showed reduced plant growth promotion for all the parameters tested. Overall, our results suggest that chemotaxis responses to root exudates play an important role in interactions between Salicornia and halophilic bacteria, enhance their colonization and boost plant growth promotion. Preliminary results also indicate that root exudates have a positive impact on H. anticariensis FP35T biofilm formation under saline conditions, an effect which totally depends on the presence of the cheA gene.

Abstract A newly profiling of Salicornia arabica (SAPS) polysaccharides was investigated. The water-soluble polysaccharide extract extracted from the Tunisian halophyte (SA) contained sulfate (9.64 ± 0.003%), carbohydrate (86.33 ± 0.003%), protein (1.24%), and uronic acids (3.33 ± 0.37%). The analysis of the monosaccharide composition revealed the presence of arabinose, Glucopyranose galactose, Glucuronic acid and glucose. The identified polysaccharide was considered as heterogeneous and highly branched via gaz chromatography, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis. It also displayed an important radical scavenging and reducer power as well it exhibited effective antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Salicornia europaea (Amaranthaceae) (SE) has been shown to reduce obesity, but it remains a problem as a food supplement because of its high salt content (25-35% NaCl). Objectives: This study investigated the anti-obesity effects and mechanism of action of desalted SE powder (DSP). Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) were divided into a normal control group (NC), a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity control group (HFD), and HFD groups co-administered DSP (250 and 500 mg/kg) or Garcinia cambogia (Clusiaceae) extract (GE, 200 mg/kg, standard control) orally each day for 12 weeks. Results: The body weight was significantly reduced by co-administration of DSP (596.51 ± 19.84 kg, 4.60% and 562.08 ± 9.74 kg, 10.10%, respectively) and GE (576.00 ± 11.29 kg, 7.88%) relative to the HFD group (625.25 ± 14.02 kg) and was accompanied by reduced abdominal fat mass, and serum lipid levels, with no effects on feed intake. To find the underlying mechanism of the anti-obesity effects, trans-ferulic acid (TFA) was identified as the main ingredient and investigated with regard to whether it attenuated adipogenesity in 3T3L-1 cells. DSP-derived TFA suppressed adipocyte differentiation and accumulation of intracellular lipids. TFA also down-regulated the adipogenesis-related gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α and fatty acid synthase. Conclusions: These findings suggest that DSP may be considered for use as a food supplement intent of controlling obesity through its antiobesity and antiadipogenic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The growing importance of Salicornia plants as bioactive agents and health promoters associated with the continuous demand for alternative treatments for liver disorders, has stimulated us to evaluate the renal and hepatic effects of S. ramosissima seeds in mice under normal conditions and exposure to toxic products as carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4). Thus, histopathological and lipid peroxidation evaluations of the liver and kidneys were performed. Powdered dried seeds of S. ramosissima (SRS) were administered orally for 22 days at a dose of 2000 mg/kg/day to male mice in three different settings: 1) seed effects, 2) protection against CCl 4 acute toxicity (0.2 mL/kg) and 3) regeneration after acute exposure to CCl 4 (0.2 mL/kg), each study being performed with appropriate control animals. Mice treated with SRS per se had slightly enlarged hepatic sinusoids and noticeable renal inflammation. SRS did not show effective protection against mice exposed to CCl 4 and had no positive influence on liver and kidney recovery after CCl 4 administration. These results demonstrated that SRS failed to improve hepato- and nephrotoxicity, in addition to the apparent synergism between CCl 4 and SRS under these experimental conditions. Although the biological mechanisms of S. ramosissima are not fully understood, the evidence suggests further research to elucidate its adverse biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are environmentally-friendly methods for mariculture wastewater purification. The hydraulic regime is a key factor in the effectiveness of sub-surface flow CW treatment. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of five hydraulic operating regimes (i.e. Intermittent, Continuous, Batch I, Batch II and Batch III) on the purification performance of CW treated with mariculture wastewater and to assess the correlations between enzyme activities (i.e. urease, dehydrogenase) and purification performance of CW. Fifteen pilot sub-surface CWs with Salicornia bigelovii were investigated for the performance of CW as well as urease activity (UA) and dehydrogenase activity (DA). Over the experiment, removal efficiencies of TAN, NO 3 − -N, TN and COD under five hydraulic operating regimes were 26.6 to 37.2%, −6.0 to 16.5%, 9.4 to 16.8% and 33.9 to 44.6% respectively, corresponding to removal rates of 147.6 to 456.9 mg m −2  d −1 , −18.1 to 229.2 mg m −2  d −1 , 174.0 to 603.6 mg m −2  d −1 and 501.9 to 1421.6 mg m −2  d −1 respectively. CW with a Batch III operating regime had the best treatment performance, with mean removal efficiencies of TAN, NO 3 − -N, TN and COD of 37.2%, 16.5%, 14.9% and 34.0% respectively, with the corresponding removal rates of 456.9, 229.2, 603.6 and 873.6 mg m −2  d −1 . As for enzyme activities, the UA was significantly higher in CW under Batch II than in Intermittent and Continuous operating regimes and the DA in CW with Batch I was significantly higher than under an Intermittent operating regime. UA and DA had significant positive correlations with COD concentrations but negative correlations with TAN and TN concentrations. The correlation analysis results showed that UA and DA can be an important indicator in evaluating removal performance of CW with Salicornia bigelovii in marine aquaculture wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study determined the plant biomass (aboveground and belowground) of Salicornia brachiata from six different salt marshes distributed in Indian coastal area over one growing season (September 2014-May 2015). The nutrients concentration and their pools were estimated in plant as well as soil. Belowground biomass in S. brachiata was usually lower than the aboveground biomass. Averaged over different locations, highest biomass was observed in the month of March (2.1 t ha−1) followed by May (1.64 t ha−1), February (1.60 t ha−1), November (0.82 t ha−1) and September (0.05 t ha−1). The averaged aboveground to belowground ratio was 12.0. Aboveground and belowground biomass were negatively correlated with pH of soil, while positively with soil electrical conductivity. Further, there were positive relationships between organic carbon and belowground biomass; and available sodium and aboveground biomass. The nutrient pools in aboveground were always higher than to belowground biomass. Aboveground pools of carbon (543 kg ha−1), nitrogen (48 kg ha−1), phosphorus (4 kg ha−1), sodium (334 kg ha−1) and potassium (37 kg ha−1) were maximum in the month of March 2015. Bioaccumulation and translocation factors for sodium of S. brachiata were more than one showing tolerance to salinity and capability of phytoremediation for the saline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and molecular parameters of photosynthetic apparatus in plants with different strategies for the accumulation of salts were investigated. The objects of the study were euhalophytes (Salicornia perennans, Suaeda salsa, Halocnemum strobilaceum), a crynohalophyte (Limonium gmelinii) and a glycohalophyte (Artemisia santonica). The euhalophytes S. perennans and S. salsa belong to plants of the halosucculent type, while the other three species represent the xerophilic type. Larger cells with a great number of chloroplasts, a high content of membrane glycerolipids and unsaturated C18:3 fatty acid and smaller pigment and light-harvesting complexes characterize the features of euhalophytes with a succulent leaf type. Therefore, the features of the halophyte photosynthetic apparatus structure are closely related to its functional indicators and are defined by a strategy in both the accumulation of salts and the method of water regime regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity presents a serious threat to crop production. The relatively poor tolerance to this stress agent exhibited by conventional crops incentivizes the search for alternative producers of food and forage in salinity-affected environments. Halophytes belonging to the genus Salicornia L. have been suggested as being able to provide both forage and edible seed oil. Here, a set of 14 Salicornia europaea L. accessions was investigated for their ability to produce seed oil and forage in response to a range of salt concentrations (100, 300 and 600 mM NaCl) in the water used for irrigation. Seed of the accessions was collected from diverse sites close to saline rivers and the sea in Iran. Salinity was shown to have a major effect on biomass yield, and on seed oil yield and composition. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the seed oil was remarkably high. Forage yield was highest when irrigated with 300 mM NaCl for most of the accessions, while a level of 600 mM NaCl suited the production of seed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some halophytes are currently used as gourmet plant ingredients for human consumption. The polar lipidome of the succulent organs of Salicornia ramosissima (fresh branch tips) and Halimione portulacoides (leaves) were characterized in-depth, with more than two hundred lipid species being identified in both halophytes. The lipid species identified were distributed over five classes of phospholipids, three classes of glycolipids and one class of glycosphingolipids. Despite the existence of some species-specific differences between the polar lipidome, phospholipids and glycolipids show a high content of n -3 fatty acids in both S. ramosissima and H. portulacoides . These results highlights the advantage of employing mass spectrometry based lipidomic platform towards the valorization of halophytes as a source of valuable nutrients and bioactives, fostering potential applications in the fields of healthy and functional food products, and for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on halophyte from the genus Salicornia . The presence of ZnO nanoparticles (100 and 1000 mg/L) in the solid culture medium resulted in the negative effects on plant growth in the concentration-dependent manner. The shoot length of plant cultivated with 1000 mg/L ZnO NPs decreased by more than 50% compared to non-treated plants. The phytotoxicity was associated with the release of free zinc(II) ions, which was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Another mechanism involved in ZnO NPs phytotoxicity was closely connected with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was accompanied by changes in activities and amounts of antioxidant enzymes. Histochemical evaluation showed that ROS were present also in the shoot of plant, which was not in direct contact with NPs. The reduction of activity and amount of antioxidant enzymes such as gamma–ESC, GR, SOD, PER, APX and higher concentration of ROS lead to lipid peroxidation, the latter being almost 3 times higher for the plant treated with 1000 mg/L NPs compared to control. The misbalance in zinc homeostasis and creation of ROS with subsequent oxidative stress led to the initiation of processes of programmed cell death, which was demonstrated by the loss of mitochondrial potential and increase of intracellular calcium (II) ions. Despite halophytes exhibit higher stress resistance than glycophytes, they are prone to negative changes if incubated in the environment containing ZnO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The halophytes have evolved several strategies to survive in saline environments; however, an additional support from their associated microbiota helps combat adverse conditions. Hence, our driving interests to investigate the endophytic bacterial community richness, diversity, and composition associated to roots of Salicornia europaea from two test sites with different origins of soil salinity. We assumed that salinity will have a negative effect on the diversity of endophytes but simultaneously will permit the high occurrence of halophylic bacteria. Further, to establish the role of the host and its external environment in determining the endophytic diversity, we analyzed the physico-chemical parameters of root zone soil and the concentration of salt ions in the plant roots. The results based on the Miseq Illumina sequencing approach revealed a higher number of endophytic bacterial OTUs at naturally saline test site with a higher level of soil salinity. Proteobacteria and Bacteriodetes were the dominant endophytic phyla at both analyzed sites; additionally, the high occurrence of Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria at more saline site and the occurrence of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi at less saline site were recorded. The salinity in the root zone soil was crucial in structuring the endophytic community of S. europaea, and the significant prevalence of representatives from the phyla Deltaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Caldithrix, Fibrobacteres, and Verrucomicrobia at the more saline test site suggest domination of halophylic bacteria with potential role in mitigation of salt stress of halophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioethanol production from biomass must be sustainable for providing a real solution to the use of bioethanol as an alternative transportation fuel. In this work, we succeed in using Salicornia Bigelovii (halophyte plant) as a raw material for bioethanol production. The characterization studies indicate a biomass composition comparable to traditional lignocellulosic biomasses: about 46.22 ± 1.20 of cellulose, 14.93 ± 0.37 of hemicellulose and, a low lignin content (1.96 ± 0.21). The highest cellulose content (75.4%) without the presence of furfural aldehyde is obtained employing the wet oxidation pretreatment method, it is performed at 200 °C with test cycles of 10 min applying 1.0 MPa of oxygen pressure. The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is improved employing a dilute-acid hydrolysis after the pretreatment cycle, reaching an overall glucose yield of 91%. Moreover, inhibition of cellulose enzymatic conversion by filtrates is not observed during this process. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (employing Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast for 120 h) of the pretreated material (using wet oxidation followed by dilute-acid hydrolysis), shows a higher ethanol production yield of 98%. These results demonstrate that there is no need of additional nutrients for the fermentation of Salicornia Bigelovii hydrolysates. Additionally, the electrochemical evaluation demonstrate that bioethanol has a similar energetic capability than analytical ethanol, presenting a current density of ∼0.23 mA cm −2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ability of the halophyte, Salicornia virginica, planted in drainage lysimeters to biomitigate dissolved nutrients in effluent from a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for marine finfish was evaluated. Seawater effluent from a RAS producing black sea bass, Centropristis striata (filtered to reduce total suspended solids), was used as irrigant. Plant growth and dissolved N and P removal were determined as a function of leachate fraction (LF%) – that is, proportion of irrigant that leaches from the plant‐substrate lysimeter. Lysimeters were irrigated weekly to produce 30, 40, and 50% LF. A control (unplanted) lysimeter was included at the 30% LF. Plant growth was excellent in all LF% treatments until Day 141 when salt buildup in the lysimeter substrate inhibited nutrient uptake. Salt accumulation was mitigated at higher LF%, so that plant biomass and net removal (μg) of dissolved N and P by the p‐s lysimeter remained higher (P < 0.05) at the 40 and 50% than at the 30% LF. On Day 141, percent removal efficiency at the 50% LF was 79.2% for inorganic N and 73.9% for total phosphorus. Through Day 355, substrate salinity was minimized and plant biomass and nutrient removal were maximized at the 50% LF. S. virginica is an effective biofilter for dissolved nutrients in effluent from an RAS for marine finfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially available sea asparagus of the genera Salicornia and Sarcocornia have shoots rich in minerals and bioactive compounds. However no selection of varieties with desirable nutritional shoot properties are available. In the present study, three biotypes of the sea asparagus Sarcocornia ambigua (Michx.) M.A.Alonso & M.B.Crespo cultivated with saline effluent from a shrimp tank were evaluated for total and individual phenolic compounds, l -ascorbic acid, chlorophyll content and antioxidant capacity (ABTS assay) of fresh vegetative and reproductive (with seeds) segments of their shoots. Total phenolic content of biotypes ranged, on average, from 745 to 1586 mg GAE 100 g − 1  fw. The flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin, followed by gallic acid and other hydroxybenzoic acids were the major phenolic compounds found in S. ambigua . Highest individual contents of phenolic compounds occurred in the reproductive segments of the red biotype (ranging from 186 to 365 mg 100 g − 1  fw). The green biotype showed higher average values of Chl a and Chl a  +  b (up to 223 and 283 μg g − 1  fw, respectively) than the other biotypes. Biotypes showed similar contents of l -ascorbic acid with higher concentration in vegetative tissues (46 to 65 mg 100 g − 1  fw). Shoot antioxidant activity ranged between 3.4 and 4.9 mmol TEAC 100 g − 1  fw, and was positively correlated with the gallic acid content (r = 0.752) and total phenolic acids (r = 0.670). Within biotype, reproductive tissues were richer in total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Different colour biotypes of S. ambigua rich in bioactive compounds may be selected with desirable shoot properties for potential for use as additives in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, we report the isolation of five 30-noroleanane triterpenoid saponins ( 1–5 ), nine oleanane triterpenoid saponins ( 6–14 ), and twenty-one other compounds ( 15–35 ) from the whole plants of Salicornia europaea Linn. Compound 1 , 3- O - β -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[ β -xylopyranosyl-(l→3)]- β -glucuronopyranosyl 30-noroleanolic acid 28- O - β -glucopyranosyl ester, is a previously undescribed nortriterpenoid saponin. The chemical structures were established by detailed analysis of the MS and NMR spectroscopic data or comparison with literature data. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of 30-noroleanane triterpenoids was discussed in the family Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]