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Dating saltmarshes is a fundamental step to conserve them suitably, because the oldest saltmarshes are becoming increasingly rare and host a particular biodiversity. In a French Atlantic saltmarsh, we counted tree rings on Suaeda vera, a ligneous plant of the European saltmarshes. We considered that the age of the stem may give the minimal age of the saltmarsh on which it grows as this is a specialist species of this habitat. By combining the dating of the saltmarsh using this proxy with a classical dating based on a photo-interpretation method, we found that the count of tree rings on S. vera gives an accurate dating of the minimal age of a saltmarsh patch. However, because of the rather low longevity of this species (maximum of 27 years in the investigated area), old maps and aerial photographs still remain essential to date the oldest saltmarsh patches. We further discuss: (1) the potential use of cross-dating on dead stems of the plant to reconstruct the long-history of saltmarshes; (2) the potential link between the growth velocity of S. vera and the spatial dynamics of saltmarshes.

In the present study, two species of the drought-tolerant genus Suaeda (Suaeda vera and Suaeda pruinosa) were investigated for detection of some genes responsible for drought resistance. Three genes (P5CS, BADH, and DREB) were chosen and detected using specific primers producing bands of different sizes 1500bp, 700bp and 430bp, respectively. The obtained fragments of the three genes were Sequenced, and phylogenetic tree constructed. The results revealed the efficiency of BADH to clarify the closest relatedness of Suaeda species with other species on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. In addition, one can conclude that BADH gene may be included in drought resistance mechanism of Suaeda species. This study can be used in the future for breeding and crop improvement programs..

The increased concentrations of heavy metals in soil pose a threat to human life through the food chain. Soil and plant samples from the coastal area of Benghazi city were collected and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) for their heavy metal contents. The metal content of Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb has been determined in the soil in the vicinity of plant roots, plant roots, and leaves. Biological absorption coefficient (BAC), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and translocation factor (TF) have been calculated to evaluate the ability of Suaeda vera to extract the metals from soil. The results showed that Suaeda vera Forssk. Ex J.F. Gmel is more suitable for phytoextraction than the phytostabilisation. Phytoremediation as a green technology has many advantages over the other methods of heavy metals removal from soils.

Salinization is one of the major causes of soil degradation and salt-affected soils have been underused due to their physical and chemical properties. Although most conventional crops are non-salt tolerant plants (glycophytes), halophytes can develop under high salinity concentrations and provide food, fodder and other uses, such as remediation and pharmaceuticals. Among them, Suaeda vera can be used for human consumption as forage and in phytoremediation. This study aims to optimize the cultivation of this species by producing a Technosol (TEC) using wastes as amendments to improve the properties of a Fluvisol (FLU). The amendments were constituted by cost-effective wastes: sludge and waste kieselguhr from breweries, medium sand, gravel limestone and biomass obtained from pruning. The FLU used in a microcosm assay was collected in the Tagus Estuary, close to Lisbon, Portugal. The soils properties, plants growth in Fluvisol and Technosol under the estuarine water (Ew) irrigation also collected in Tagus Estuary, were assessed. The microcosm assay was set up with four replicates and the substrata were incubated at 70% of the maximum water-holding capacity for 28 days, in the dark. After, seedlings obtained by germination in wet filter paper with deionised water were transplanted. The amendments, the FLU and the TEC were analysed for: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), concentrations of Corganic, Pextractable, Kextractable and Ntotal. The chemical characteristics of Ew were also analysed for pH, EC, Cl–, HCO₃–, Na, Ca, Mg, and the SAR was calculated. The plant growth parameters like stem length and biomass were determined. The FLU was slightly alkaline (pH 8), with a high EC (5.6 mS/cm) and low values of Corganic (20 g/kg), Ntotal (1.7 g/kg), Pextractable (1x10-3 g/kg) and Kextractable (0.9 g/kg). Due to the wastes’ properties, the TEC showed a significant increase in Corganic (28 g/kg), Ntotal (2.5 g/kg), P and Kextractable (0.1 and 1.2 g/kg, respectively), in comparison with the FLU. The Ew was strongly saline (EC 22.1 mS/cm), had a neutral pH (7.78) and high concentration of Cl- (7330 mg/L), HCO₃- (267 mg/L), Na+ (4305 mg/L), Ca2+ (210 mg/L) and Mg2+ (538 mg/L). The Ew SAR value was high (157) but tolerated by halophytes. The individuals grown in the TEC presented a larger stem (18 cm) and a higher fresh biomass value (23 g) than individuals grown in the FLU. These results indicate that the wastes improved the Fluvisol properties being S. vera cultivation favoured if carried out in TEC. In a circular economy perspective, this study reveals that it is possible to cultivate a halophyte species with economic potential from underused resources as saline soils, wastes and brackish water.

International audience; Soil and mine tailings are unreceptive to plant growth representing an imminent threat to the environment and resource sustainability. Using indigenous plants and their associated rhizobacteria to restore mining sites would be an eco-friendly solution to mitigate soil-metal toxicity. Soil prospection from Draa Sfar and Kettara mining sites in Morocco was carried out during different seasons for native plant sampling and rhizobacteria screening. The sites have been colonized by fifteen tolerant plant species having different capacities to accumulate Cu, Zn, and P in their shoots/root systems. In Draa Sfar mine, Suaeda vera J.F. Gmel., Sarcocornia fruticosa (L.) A.J. Scott., and Frankenia corymbosa Desf. accumulated mainly Cu (more than 90 mg kg−1), Atriplex halimus L. accumulated Zn (mg kg−1), and Frankenia corymbosa Desf. accumulated Pb (14 mg kg−1). As for Kettara mine, Aizoon canariense L. mainly accumulated Zn (270 mg kg−1), whereas Forsskalea tenacissima L. was the best shoot Cu accumulator with up to 50 mg kg−1, whereas Cu accumulation in roots was 21 mg kg−1. The bacterial screening revealed the strains’ abilities to tolerate heavy metals up to 50 mg kg−1 Cu, 250 mg kg−1 Pb, and 150 mg kg−1 Zn. Isolated strains belonged mainly to Bacillaceae (73.33%) and Pseudomonadaceae (10%) and expressed different plant growth–promoting traits, alongside their antifungal activity. Results from this study will provide an insight into the ability of native plants and their associated rhizobacteria to serve as a basis for remediation-restoration strategies.

Grazing is an influential land use that has introduced profound changes in worldwide landscapes, ecosystems and their species. In this paper, we analysed the influence of grazing on the presence and abundance of the endangered Mioscirtus wagneri, a monophagous grasshopper inhabiting inland hypersaline ecosystems in Spain and showing a marked spatial and genetic fragmentation. Using count transects, we analyzed the presence and abundance of this grasshopper in relation to specific vegetation cover and the abundance of goat and sheep droppings, considering this variable as a surrogate of livestock activity and grazing impact. We found that both the presence and abundance of M. wagneri were positively related to the cover of its host plant Suaeda vera and negatively associated with the abundance of droppings. We conclude that dropping abundance is a useful parameter to assess livestock impact and evaluate habitat quality and the conservation status of M. wagneri and many other singular species of macroinvertebrates inhabiting inland hypersaline ecosystems. We highly recommend the use of electric shepherd fencing around all sensitive and protected areas where inland hypersaline ecosystems are present in order to deter livestock. We also suggest intensive educational campaigns for farmers and shepherds, revealing the ecological importance of these singular and unique habitats for rare and exclusive species like M. wagneri and many other coexisting plants and invertebrates., This work received financial support from grants: POII09-0198-8057, PCI08-0130-3954 and POII10-0197-0167 (Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha and European Social Fund), CGL2011-25053 and CGL2016-8742-R (Spanish Dirección General de Investigación y Gestión del Plan Nacional I+D+i and European Social Fund). JO was supported by a Ramón y Cajal (RYC-2013-12501) research fellowship.

Germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants and salinity is one of the most important factors conditioning it in salt marshes. This work analyses the effects of salinity on the germination of eight dominant Chenopodiaceae species inhabiting the intertidal gradient in the Gulf of Cadiz. Seeds were collected from Sarcocornia perennis, Atriplex portulacoides, Sarcocornia fruticosa, Salicornia ramosissima, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Suaeda vera, Salsola vermiculata and Sarcocornia alpini. They were placed in Petri dishes at 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 M NaCl and germination was recorded during 30 days. Ungerminated seeds were transferred to distilled water and germination recovery was recorded. High salinities inhibited germination, although tended to accelerate it in the recovery assays. Beyond these common responses, the studied halophytes showed four germination syndromes: 1) high germination at low-medium salinities and reduced germination after high salinity exposure; 2) no germination at hypersalinity and high recovery germination in fresh water; 3) increased and rapid germination after salinity exposure; and 4) germinating along a wide salinity range. The two species colonising the ecotone between marshes and dunes, Suaeda vera and Salsola vermiculata, shared Syndrome 2. Syndromes 3 and 4 were shared by species colonising different habitats and Syndrome 1 by A. macrostachyum, and fruits of A. portulacoides without bracteoles and S. vermiculata without calyx. The germination of species from high marshes was characterized by marked responses to salinity changes, whereas the germination of low marsh species was based on low sensitivity to salinity fluctuations.

The present study provides an investigation of the floristic features, including list of plant species, life-span, life-form spectra and floristic analysis of the plant life associated with Suaeda maritima, Suaeda monoica, Suaeda pruinosa and Suaeda vera in family Chenopodiaceae in the Deltaic Mediterranean coast and Wadi Hagul of Egypt. This study also aims at recording the floristic structure to be used in measurement of plant diversity and ecological conservation plan of the study area in future. The total number of the recorded plant species surveyed in the study area was 103 species belonging to 80 genera and related to 23 families. These species are classified into three major groups according to their duration (life-span) as follows: 47 annuals (45.63%), 2 biennial (1.94%) and 54 perennials (52.42%). The main families are: Asteraceae (23 species), Poaceae (19 species) followed by Chenopodiaceae (17 species) and Fabaceae (7 species). The recorded species are also grouped under six types of life forms as follows: therophytes, chamaephytes, cryptophytes (comprising geophytes and helophytes), hemicryptophytes, phanerophytes and parasites. Out of the recorded species 56 species (about 54.36 % of the total species) are Mediterranean taxa, 18 species (17.48%) was belonging to Monoregional Saharo-Sindian element, 19 species are either Cosmopolitan (10 species = 9.71%), Palaeopical (5 species = 4.85%), Neotropical and Pantropical (2 species = 1.94 each).

Halophytic plants can provide an economical and environmentally sustainable source of products for human and animal feeding, in the context of the increase of worldwide emergent semi-arid landscapes. This work reports a comprehensive evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of fatty acids (FA) of nineteen Mediterranean halophytes collected in southern Portugal, with the purpose of establishing their possible uses as food and feed. For FA determination, lipids and free FA were converted to the corresponding fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and analyzed by GC-MS. Beta maritima had the highest FAME levels (7.3 mg/g DW) while Suaeda vera had the lowest content (1.0 mg/g DW). The most common saturated fatty acid (SFA) across all studied species was palmitic acid. The most prevalent monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) was oleic acid. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels were led by linoleic acid. Less common FAMEs were also detected, namely eicosadienoic and hexadecatrienoic acids. Cotula coronopifolia, Phragmites australis and Suaeda vera displayed the best FA nutritional profiles. These species also showed bioactivities relevant for both human and animal health according to the literature and thus, collectively with this study, they could be further explored as food and feed. Agência financiadora Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology Portuguese National Budget through the XtremeBio project PTDC/MAR-EST/4346/2012 Portuguese National Budget through GreenVet project ALG-01-0145-FEDER-028876 Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology SFRH/BD/81425/2011 SFRH/BD/116604/2016 IF/00049/2012 FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus CEECIND/00425/2017 Portuguese National Budget UID/Multi/04326/2019 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The intensification of pig production is considered a risky activity for the environment when the generated pig slurry is not adequately treated. In addition, intensive agriculture practices where pig slurry is applied to the cropland could cause nitrate leaching, salinization, and soil pollution (heavy metals and pathogens), thus the development of an eco-friendly system for pig slurry treatment is essential to avoid undesirable environmental impacts. The main objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of an integrated purification system (IPS) for treating pig slurry. The system included a pretreatment module (raw pig slurry tank, phase separator, aeration tank, and settlement tank), constructed wetlands (CWs) that included an unplanted cell and a planted cell, and a storage pond (SP). Pig slurry samples from the pretreatment modules, CWs, and SP were collected in triplicate and physic-chemical and microbial analyses were performed. Results showed that the pretreatment modules decreased the total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the liquid fraction. Higher total nitrogen removal was reported in the planted cell, which decreased from 4.0 g L&minus, 1 to 1.9 g L&minus, 1 in the inflow and outflow, respectively. Total efficiencies over 85% were found in the planted and unplanted cells for TSS, Kjeldahl nitrogen (KN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and TP. Microbial parameters were eliminated after the treatment in the planted cell. Therefore, the results indicated that filtration (pretreatment), purification (constructed wetland), and bioremediation (storage pond) constituted an appropriate IPS for treating pig slurry.

Phytoextraction is a green technique for the removal of soil contaminants by plants uptake with the subsequent elimination of the generated biomass. The halophytic plant Suaeda vera Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. is an native Mediterranean species able to tolerate and accumulate salts and heavy metals in their tissues. The objective of this study was to explore the potential use of S. vera for soil metal phytoextraction and to assess the impact of different chelating agents such as natural organic acids (oxalic acid [OA], citric acid [CA]), amino acids (AA) and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria (PFB) on the metal uptake and translocation. After 12 months, the highest accumulation of Cu was observed in the root/stem of PFB plots (17.62/8.19 mg/kg), in the root/stem of CA plots for Zn (31.16/23.52 mg/kg) and in the root of OA plots for Cr (10.53 mg/kg). The highest accumulation of metals occurred in the roots (27.33-50.76 mg/kg). Zn was the metal that accumulated at the highest rates in most cases. The phytoextraction percentages were higher for Cu and Zn (∼2%) with respect to Cr (∼1%). The percentages of metal removal from soil indicate the need to monitor soil properties, to recognize the influence of each treatment and to increase the concentration of bioavailable metals by the use of agricultural management practices aimed at promoting plant growth.

The installation of desalination plants close to ecosystems of interest may have environmental impacts that make corrective measures necessary. Especially, wetlands (which are water-dependent ecosystems) are prone to degradation. This is the case for the Agua Amarga salt marsh (SE Spain), that includes an abandoned solar saltworks and surrounding, topographically higher zones, in which the groundwater withdrawal to supply two desalination plants has led to a drop of the piezometric levels and the desiccation of the ecosystem. To overcome these problems, a programme to irrigate the marsh with seawater was established. This paper reports some soil characteristics of the marsh in relation to the different types of vegetation/environment identified and the seawater irrigation programme, with the objective being to propose some guidelines to improve the management of the site. Surface and subsurface samples were taken from 63 plots and the depth of the water level and the soil redox potential (Eh), moisture, electrical conductivity (EC), CaCO3, organic carbon, nitrogen and bulk density were determined. Also, the soil texture, structure, consistence, accumulation of salt crystals and redoximorphic features – indicative of reduction-oxidation processes – were described. The poor structure (weak, granular, subangular and angular blocks, very fine and fine) showed that the soils were hardly developed. The periphery (mainly colonised by Suaeda vera, Lygeum spartum and Limonium spp.) was less saline (EC 1:5 in the upper layers ~ 0.4 to ~ 4 dS m− 1) and drier (water level > − 1.5 m depth) than the abandoned saline ponds (EC 1:5 in the upper layers ~ 2 to ~ 9 dS m− 1 and water level between − 1 m depth and + 0.2 m above the soil surface), mainly colonised by Sarcocornia fruticosa, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Salicornia patula, Phragmites australis and Ruppia maritima in the flooded ponds. The soils of the periphery were always oxic (Eh > + 500 mV), but most of the abandoned saline ponds had suboxic (~ + 100 mV

41 Pags., 6 Tabls., 13 Figs. The definitive version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03418162, Long-term soil salinity data are required to properly manage saline habitats. This study presents easy procedures for comparing soil salinity profiles, which were used to assess four saline wetlands in NE Spain. Soil salinity measurements at sites where different halophytes were dominant were recorded throughout the year in 1979–1980 and 1999–2000, with additional measurements in 1985. Electrical conductivity of saturation extracts (ECe) and the concentrations of major ions were measured in four hundred soil samples. To confirm the consistency of the quality of the lab measurements, we used saturation percentage (SP) statistics and the relationships between ECe and both the cationic and the anionic concentrations in the extracts (R2 > 97%), and the relationship with the EC of the extracts at a soil-to-water ratio of 1:5 by weight (EC 1:5). The ECe of the soil samples ranged from 4 to 114 dS m− 1, and the averages in the four wetlands (AN, PC, AL, and AG) were 38.6, 10.1, 22.3, and 68.5 dS m− 1, respectively. The median of the sodium adsorption ratio [SAR, (meq L− 1)0.5] in the samples was 69, 126, 64, and 28, respectively. At AN, the maximum average ECe in the upper 100 cm of the soil was 35.0 dS m− 1 for Artemisia herba-alba and 75.2 dS m− 1 for Suaeda vera; at PC, the maximum value was 19.3 dS m− 1 for Puccinellia festuciformis; and, at AL, it was 30.3 dS m− 1 for Salicornia ramosissima and 44.6 dS m− 1 for S. vera. At AG, the maximum average ECe was 69.2 for S. vera, and 85.2 dS m− 1 for Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. The ECe and SAR remained stable between the two sampling periods in three of the wetlands but, in AL, which was converted into a paddy, ECe was reduced from ~ 40 dS m− 1 to ~ 2 dS m− 1 and SAR was reduced from > 77 to ~ 2. The presence of saline non-sodic and saline–sodic soils at nearby wetlands reflects the pedodiversity of the area., Funding was provided by the Spanish grants AGL2012-40100 from the MINECO and 2012/GA-LC 036 from Aragón. The contract of C. Castañeda was co-funded by ESF.

This article is dedicated to the search of sources of biologically active substances from plants with antioxidant activity.Among the plants of the genus Suaeda from the Chenopodiaceae family there are many representatives having antioxidant activity. During our research work the qualitative analysis and the bioscreening on the antioxidant activity of the plants Suaeda vera and Suaeda spicata from the Chenopodiaceae family were carried out.For the preliminary components evaluation of two types of aboveground part of plants from the genus Suaeda were obtained 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% aqueous ethanol; 50% aqueous buthanol and ethyl acetate extractions. The BAS evaluation was carried out on the basis of qualitative reactions specific to each group of biologically active substances.Thus, in the aboveground part of the studied plants were identified and found flavonoids, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, coumarins, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, amino acids and other substances.According to test results, Suaeda spicata showed the highest antioxidant activity.

Last instar larva and pupa of Metadonus vuillefroyanus (Capiomont, 1868) (Curculionidae: Hyperini) are described and compared with known larvae of the other 43 hyperine taxa. The thorn-like setae located on distinct black protuberances on the larval body are characteristic features of the genus Metadonus and the subgenus Eririnomorphus of the genus Hypera. The biological singularity of this species was studied and described. The variable colouration of larvae has been confirmed in association with the variability of the host plant’s colouration at the studied localities. This species’ reported inability to spin cocoons has been disproven. A different type of cocoon with two layers, where the inner layer consists of proteins from Malpighian tubules while the outer layer contains soil particles, is described. This type of cocoon is unique compared with those known from other hyperines, which usually pupate on or above the ground and do not use substrate particles in building their cocoons.

A multi-temporal survey of soil salinity in a salt lake, recolonized by halophytes, was performed using electromagnetic induction (EMI) providing volume integrated values of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). Inventories of plant communities were recorded according to the Braun-Blanquet method. In each of six areas monospecific with Suaeda vermiculata, Suaeda vera, Sarcocornia fruticosa, or Arthrocnemun macrostachyum, ECa was measured intensively in two seasons. Mean and range of ECa differ for each plant community. Soil was sampled in the six areas and analyzed for ion composition of the soil saturated paste extract. The electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (ECe) and soil properties were used for calibrating the EMI signals producing maps of predicted ECe at three incremental depths of 30 cm and maps of prediction error. Halophyte communities have been related to soil salinity in a geographical information system (GIS) as a tool for recommendations for plant restoration of the area.

Annual pollen production was calculated in seven species of Chenopodiaceae at the Odiel Marshes Natural Park (SW Spain) in 2006 using pollen/flower production and density of the reproductive structures of each species. Estimates of the density of plants were used to calculate the pollen production of the habitat. The results range from 760 million pollen grains/m 2 /yr in low marsh to 1350 million pollen grains/m 2 /yr in middle marsh. Then, based on the percentage of cover for these habitats with respect to the total landscape area, the pollen production per surface unit of the landscape was calculated. Phenological data were recorded weekly for the species throughout 2006 and 2007. Results show that two of the seven species, Suaeda vera and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum , flower before the summer temperature peak, and the other five after. With these data, the weekly pollen production per species and per surface unit was calculated for both years, based on the pollen production per plant estimated for 2006. Airborne pollen grain concentrations were monitored by a Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap, and Chenopodiaceae pollen concentrations were determined weekly. These data were related to the weekly pollen production in the field. Results show that only two species, Atriplex halimus and Suaeda vera , were significantly correlated to airborne pollen concentrations, and that high marsh and saline soil habitats were the most important sources for airborne pollen. These results are discussed with regard to the effect the different plant heights have on pollen dispersion.

The antioxidative properties of forty-seven plant samples originating from the Ein Gedi Botanical Garden were screened. Their antioxidative activity, determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay and expressed as chlorogenic acid equivalent, ranged from 0.3 to 88 mg/g DW. The total phenol content, determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, ranged from 2-82 mg/g DW. A substantial correlation was found between the antioxidative activity and the total phenol content among species. Tamarix nilotica, Suaeda vera, Acacia raddiana, Lawsonia alba, and Grewia villosa contained the highest antioxidative properties. This work consists of the first screening of the antioxidative properties of indigenous plants from the Dead Sea area. The future introduction of these plants as agricultural crops may provide novel natural sources for antioxidants.

The hydrocarbon fraction of leaf waxes of three halophytes of the Chenopodiaceae common to Mediterranean salt marshes (Suaeda vera, Sarcocornia fruticosa and Halimione portulacoides) revealed the presence of a minor series of odd and even chains 1-chloro-n-alkanes ranging from C(19) to C(29). The identification of these new chlorinated plant constituents was based on a combination of mass spectrometry data with selective chlorine detection (CPG-AED) and was confirmed by comparison with authentic standards. The qualitative and quantitative distributions of these 1-chloro-n-alkanes varied inter-specifically. Homologues with an odd carbon-chain were predominant in all species but maximised at C(25) and C(27) in S. vera and S. fruticosa, and at C(27) and C(29) in H. portulacoides. Remarkably, 1-chloro-nonacosane was an abundant homologue only in this latter species. Leaves of S. vera contained 4 to 7 times more of total chloroalkanes than leaves of the other two species. These compounds accounted for 10, 4 and 1% of the hydrocarbon fraction of leaf waxes of S. vera, S. fruticosa and H. portulacoides, respectively. Attempts to link the occurrence of these chloroalkanes with other classes of leaf waxes (n-alkenes, n-aldehydes and n-alcohols) did not allowed a clear precursor-product relationship to be established. The biological functions as well as the mode of synthesis of alkylchlorides in (halophyte) plants remain unknown but undoubtedly deserve further attention.

The population structure of 15 common shrubby species of the Omayed Biosphere Reserve (Egypt) was evaluated in terms of size distribution. These species are 3 phanerophytes (Lycium europaeum, Phlomis floccosa and Thymelaea hirsuta) and 12 chamaephytes (Anabasis articulata, Artemisia herba-alba, Artemisia monosperma, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum Deverra tortuosa, Echiochilon fruticosum, Gymnocarpos decander, Haloc-nemum strobilaceum, Helianthemum lippii, Limoniastrum monopetalum, Noaea mucronata and Suaeda vera). The size estimations were used to classify the population of each species into 9 size classes : the first and second classes were chosen to represent the seedling and juvenile stages. The absolute and relative frequency of individuals and mean height, diameter and height to diameter ratio per individual in each size class were also determined. The present study indicated the size structures of the investigated species were belonged to 6 types of size distributions : more or less inverse J-shaped distribution (e. g. Halocnemum strobilaceum, Echio-chilon fruticosum and Helianthemum lippii), positively skewed distributions towards the small (i. e. young) individuals (e. g. Lycium europaeum, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Anabasis articulata), more or less J-shaped distribution (e. g. Noaea mucronata and Artemisia monosperma), approximately symmetrical (i. e. bell shaped) distribution (Phlomis floccosa), bimodal size distribution (e. g. Thymelaea hirsuta, Limoniastrum monopetalum and Suaeda vera) and more or less stationary size distribution (e. g. Gymnocarpos decander, Deverra tortuosa and Artemisia herbaalba)., La structure des populations de 15 arbustes communs de la Réserve de Biosphère d’Omayed (Égypte) a été évaluée en terme de distribution de taille. Les espèces étudiées sont 3 phanérophytes (Lycium europaeum, Phlomis floccosa et Thymelaea hirsuta) et 12 chamaephytes (Anabasis articulata, Artemisia herba-alba, Artemisia monosperma, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Deverra tortuosa, Echiochilon fruticosum, Gymnocarpos decander, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Helianthemum lippii, Limoniastrum monopetalum, Noaea mucronata et Suaeda vera). Les estimations de taille ont permis de classer les populations de chaque espèce dans 9 classes de taille ; les première et deuxième classes ont été choisies pour représenter les plantules et les étapes juvéniles de ces arbustes. La fréquence absolue et relative des individus et de leur taille ainsi que leur diamètre et le rapport de la taille moyenne sur le diamètre par individu ont été également déterminés dans chaque classe de taille. Cette étude a permis de mettre en évidence différentes structures de taille appartenant à 6 types de distributions : (i) proche d’une distribution “J” inverse (par exemple Halocnemum strobilaceum, Echiochilon fruticosum et Helianthemum lippii), (ii) distribution modifiée comparativement à une distribution “J” formée d’individus juvéniles (par exemple Lycium europaeum, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum et Anabasis articulata), (iii) proche d’une distribution symétrique (par exemple Noaea mucronata et Artemisia monosperma), (iv) distribution “en cloche” (par exemple Phlomis floccosa), (v) distribution bimodale (par exemple Thymelaea hirsuta, Limoniastrum monopetalum et Suaeda vera) et (vi) proche d’une distribution stationnaire (par exemple Gymnocarpos decander, Deverra tortuosa et Artemisia herba-alba)., Al-Sodany Yassin M. Size structure and dynamics of the common shrubs in Omayed Biosphere Reserve in the western Mediterranean coast of Egypt. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 29 n°1, 2003. pp. 39-48.

The Guerande salt-pans represent the main French breeding area of bluethroat, a migrating passerine. Salt exploitation has cre- ated a geometrical artificial landscape in which we investigated factors influencing spatial distribution and breeding success of this species using a Geographical Information System. We compared data for four sites in these salt-pans, for three zones in the most densely populated site, and for 2500 m 2 grid cells defined for this same site. This study showed the influence of (1) the level of salt exploitation activity, (2) the density of bank intersections, (3) the extent of area covered by Suaeda vera bushes and (4) the structural heterogeneity. The continued management of these salt-pans enhanced bird breeding success. Thus, traditional salt exploitation contributes directly to the conservation of bluethroat, considered as an endangered species in Europe. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

In our study, a simple and sensitive method was proposed for determination of vitamins B group in leaves of Suaeda aegyptiaca and Suaeda Vera (Halophytes) by HPLC-DAD with solid-phase extraction (SPE) as the preconcentration step. The variables affecting the extraction and determination conditions were investigated and optimized. A preconcentration step based on SPE is necessary to remove interfering components. The limit of detection obtained was

Soil characteristics and plant zonation were studied in a semiarid Mediterranean salt marsh in SE Spain. According to topographic sequences and plants distribution, two transects were established from the border of La Mata lagoon to the upland vegetation limit and soils were described and analysed. Regularly spaced plots were established in these transects in accordance with the stands of vegetation and surface soil samples were taken every 2 months for 2 years. The following edaphic factors were determined: soil moisture content, pH and concentration of Cl − , SO 4 2− , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Na + and K + in the saturation extract. In addition, the groundwater level was measured and the duration of the flooding periods established in each plot. Soil–plant relationships were studied by means of canonical correspondence analysis. Based on rainfall data for the study period, dry and wet seasons were separated and the habitats of the plant communities were compared for salt quantity and quality independently for each season. Soils were classified, according to FAO (1998) , as Hypercalcic, Sodic and Mollic Solonchaks and Hypercalcic Sodic Calcisols. The most important variables which explained plant zonation were: the flooding period, total salinity, minimum Ca 2+ /Na + ratio and the mean sodium adsorption ratio. When the habitats of the main plant communities were compared, differences in salt quantity, quality and seasonal variations were found. Two chenopod shrubs, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Sarcocornia fruticosa , predominated in the most saline areas. More pronounced seasonal variations in soil salinity were found in the A. macrostachyum zone than in the Sarcocornia fruticosa zone. The highest value for K + /Na + and Ca 2+ /Na + ratios were measured in the Suaeda vera stand. The Lygeum spartum zone was distinguished by the high Ca 2+ /Na + and Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ ratios in the wet period. Among the rushes, Schoenus nigricans predominated in the less saline areas, where the K + /Na + ratio was higher and the Ca 2+ /Na + ratio lower than where Juncus maritimus predominated. Limonium cossonianum communities occupied an intermediate position with respect to soil salinity, between the chenopod shrubs and the other communities. Our results suggest that salt marsh plant zonation is influenced by temporal and spatial edaphic gradients which must be jointly considered if soil–plant relationships in saline soils are to be fully understood.

The species composition, relative abundance and vegetation community associations of a wintering passerine assemblage were studied on 7 sites in north Norfolk between 1989 and 1994. A total of 20 species was recorded including coastal specialists as well as habitat generalists; relative abundance varied greatly from Chaffinch and Great Tit with single records, to Twite and Skylark with many hundreds. Most species showed strong association with, and aversion to, particular vegetation community types, but the relationships with vegetation communities varied between species. The communities with the higher bird densities were Limonium, Suaeda vera and Suaeda/Salicornia saltmarshes. Amongst the least used vegetation communities were Halimione saltmarsh and mobile dunes. There was little evidence of any seasonal change in habitat associations. The findings are discussed both in terms of vegetation community availability in north Norfolk and in the wider context of coastal zone planning and the threats and oppo...

The composition of the seed bank was compared with that of the above-ground vegetation in two British salt marshes. Vegetation and seed banks were sampled in autumn and spring. There was a relatively low correlation between seed bank and vegetation in most perennial-dominated zones. Percentage annual plant cover was significantly positively correlated to percentage similarity value between vegetation and seed bank. Cluster analysis indicated that the zones domi- nated by annuals and by Suaeda vera on the ungrazed Nod Marsh in Norfolk formed groups between seed bank and vegetation, whereas on the Llanrhidian Marsh in Wales the seed bank of four of the six zones formed a group. bank in either upper or lower marshes (Jefferies, Davy & Rudmik 1981; Davy & Smith 1988). Our aim was to determine the level of correlation between the above-ground plant communities and the seed banks in two differing salt-marsh types in Britain. The relationship between species longevity and seed bank presence was analyzed to determine how close is

In this paper data on floristic and vegetational characteristics of the species Suaeda vera in the plant cover of Croatia are given. In that region S. vera is known in the wider area of Dubrovnik, as well as on the Islands of Vela and Mala Palagruža, Biševo, Brusnik, Kamik near Svetac and Vrgada. It was studied phytocoenologically and syntaxonomically on the Islands of Vela Palagruža and Vrgada where it builds the ass. Suaedetum verae floristically presented on the basis of 10 relevés (Tab. 1)., U radu se objavljuju podaci o florističkim i vegetacijskim značajkama vrste Suaeda vera u biljnom pokrovu Hrvatske. Na tom području S. vera je poznata iz širega područja Dubrovnika, te otoka Vele i Male Palagruže, Biševa, Brusnika, Kamika kraj Sveca i Vrgade. Fitocenološko-sintaksonomski je proučavana na otocima V. Palagruži i Vrgadi, gdje izgrađuje as. Suaedetum verae, koja je floristički prikazana na temelju 10 fitocenoloških snimki (Tab. 1).

Chenopodium fruticosum Linnaeus, Species Plantarum 1: 221. 1753. "Habitat in Galliae, Hispaniae maritimis." RCN: 1830. Basionym of: Salsola fruticosa (L.) L. (1762). Lectotype (Heath in Calyx 2: 78. 1992): [icon] " Sedum minus arborescens " in Munting, Naauwk. Beschryv. Aardgew.: 469, t. 469. 1696 (see above, right). Current name: Suaeda vera Forssk. ex J.F. Gmel. (Chenopodiaceae). Note: As noted by Schenk & Ferren (in Taxon 50: 859. 2001), Heath was incorrect in arguing that Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Dumort. is the correct name for this taxon because it is a later homonym of S. fruticosa Forssk. ex J.F. Gmel. Schenk & Ferren also suggest that Heath’s type choice is flawed under Art. 9.1, and that the Munting plate is otherwise unsatisfactory. However, there seem to be no grounds for rejecting this choice (and Heath’s incorrect use of the term holotype is correctable under Art. 9.8)., Published as part of Jarvis, Charlie, 2007, Chapter 7: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types (part C), pp. 370-473 in Order out of Chaos. Linnaean Plant Types and their Types, London :Linnaean Society of London in association with the Natural History Museum on page 410, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.291971

8 pages, 4 tables, 1 figure., This study was carried out in a Mediterranean salt marsh from semiarid Southeastern Spain, to determine the influence of eight halophytes (Asteriscus maritimus (L.) Less., Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) Moris, Frankenia corymbosa Desf., Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen, Limonium cossonianum O. Kuntze, Limonium caesium (Girard) O. Kuntze, Lygeum spartum L., and Suaeda vera Forsskål ex J.F. Gmelin growing in a homogeneous area with regard to salt content, on the rhizosphere soil microbiological and biochemical properties (labile C fractions, biomass C, oxidoreductases and hydrolases) and aggregate stabilisation. Rhizosphere soil of H. portulacoides showed the highest values of water-soluble C, water-soluble carbohydrates, microbial biomass C and dehydrogenase, urease, protease-BAA and acid phosphatase activities. S. vera had the lowest microbial activity. The soil under A. maritimus, L. cossonianum, L. spartum and H. portulacoides had the highest percentages of stable aggregates (on average, about 52%) and the soil under S. vera the lowest (about 27% of stable aggregates). There was a good correlation between enzyme activities, the C-biomass, root colonisation of the eight halophytes and the levels of stable aggregates. Our results suggest that soil microbial activity and soil properties related to microbial activity, such as aggregate stability, are determined by the type of the halophytic species.

Rhachistoneura n. gen. (type species R. varicicosla n. sp.) Rhodochlanis suaedae n. sp. and Strophingia hispanica n. sp. are described and figured. Rhachisloneura (host plant probably Erica/Calluna) is close to Agonoscena End., Acaerus Log. and Lisronia Log. Rhodochlanis suaedae (host plant Suaeda vera) is close to R. parvipllnctatlls Log. while Strophingia hispanica (host plant Erica multiflora) is closest to S. arborea Log. The separation and synonymy of the mediterranean Agonoscefla is discussed and the species are figured. Agonoscena cisti (Put.), Euphyllura fasciata Horv., Arytainilla eytisi (Put.), Psylla alaterni Först, Trioza chenopodii Reut., Trioza galii Först and Trioza trisignata Löw are recorded from Mallorca for the first time. KEYWORDS: Psylloidea, Homoptera, Rhachistoneura, Rhodochlanis, Strophingia, Agonoscena, species descriptions, Spain, Mallorca.

Suaeda vera J. F. Gmelin, a shrub that is a frequent halophyte in the upper, clayish zones of the Guadalquivir river marshes, is an interesting fodder plant for the local livestock during dry periods, especially as a N supplement. Ash, Na, P, K, Mn, Ca/P, K/Ca+Mg, neutral detergent fibre, cellulose, lignin, dry matter digestibility, organic and protein N, free amino acids, and reducing and total soluble sugars have been determined in the branches and leaves of Suaeda plants and compared with these constituents in other species from the marshes, including grasses and legumes. In spite of its high Na and ash contents, Suaeda shows an adequate composition for the nutrition of local livestock, even when the plant grows in a sandy area. However, after a long dry period, P and some microelements decline to low levels. Suaeda vera seems also to be a useful plant for incorporation into the soil, because of its relatively high N content even in plants taken from a sandy area.

For two years, we measured soil moisture, pH, salinity, and ion concentrations bimonthly from 55 vegetation plots in six Mediterranean salt marshes of SE Spain. Edaphic characteristics during dry and wet seasons were compared within six selected plant communities. The dominant species in each of these communities were Suaeda vera, Lygeum spartum, Limonium sp, Sarcocornia fruticosa, Halocnemum strobilaceum, and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. Although soil salt concentrations were lower during the wet season, different patterns of temporal variation in total dissolved salts, sodium adsorption ratio, Cl−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were observed in the soils occupied by different plant communities. The variation patterns for SO 4 2− were the same in all plant communities. The Ca2+/Mg2+, Ca2+/Na+, and SO 4 2− /Cl− ratios increased during the wet season because of the more pronounced decrease in Cl−, Na+, and Mg2+ concentrations relative to Ca2+, and SO 4 2− . Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) related the species distribution with certain soil conditions. The edaphic variables that best explained the data were maximum soil moisture, mean K+/Na+ ratio, mean Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio, maximum pH, and maximum K+. Two different environments were identified: dry salt marsh and wet salt marsh. to examine soil ionic gradients in these two environments, two further CCA were applied. The variables that best explained soil-vegetation relationships in the dry salt marsh were mean K+/Na+ ratio, mean Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio, maximum K+, and minimum Ca2+/Na+ ratio. Some representative dry salt marsh species were Lygeum spartum, Atriplex glauca, Suaeda vera, and Frankenia corymbosa. The variables explaining the data set in the wet salt marsh were maximum sodium adsorption ratio, maximum Mg2+ content, mean Ca2+ content, and mean Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio. Species such as Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Sarcocornia fruticosa, Juncus maritimus, and Tamarix boveana were representative of this environment.

Background The extraction of salt from seawater by means of coastal solar salterns is a very well-described process. Moreover, the characterization of these environments from ecological, biochemical and microbiological perspectives has become a key focus for many research groups all over the world over the last 20 years. In countries such as Spain, there are several examples of coastal solar salterns (mainly on the Mediterranean coast) and inland solar salterns, from which sodium chloride is obtained for human consumption. However, studies focused on the characterization of inland solar salterns are scarce and both the archaeal diversity and the plant communities inhabiting these environments remain poorly described. Results Two of the inland solar salterns (termed Redonda and Penalva), located in the Alto Vinalopó Valley (Alicante, Spain), were characterized regarding their geological and physico-chemical characteristics and their archaeal and botanical biodiversity. A preliminary eukaryotic diversity survey was also performed using saline water. The chemical characterization of the brine has revealed that the salted groundwater extracted to fill these inland solar salterns is thalassohaline. The plant communities living in this environment are dominated by Sarcocornia fruticosa (L.) A.J. Scott, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moris) K. Koch, Suaeda vera Forsk. ex Gmelin (Amaranthaceae) and several species of Limonium (Mill) and Tamarix (L). Archaeal diversity was analyzed and compared by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular phylogenetic techniques. Most of the sequences recovered from environmental DNA samples are affiliated with haloarchaeal genera such as Haloarcula, Halorubrum, Haloquadratum and Halobacterium, and with an unclassified member of the Halobacteriaceae. The eukaryote Dunaliella was also present in the samples. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study constitutes the first analysis centered on inland solar salterns located in the southeastern region of Spain. The results obtained revealed that the salt deposits of this region have marine origins. Plant communities typical of salt marshes are present in this ecosystem and members of the Halobacteriaceae family can be easily detected in the microbial populations of these habitats. Possible origins of the haloarchaea detected in this study are discussed.