Edible Halophytes and Halo-Tolerant Species in Apulia Region (Southeastern Italy): Biogeography, Traditional Food Use and Potential Sustainable Crops

Abstract

The Mediterranean basin is rich in wild edible species which have been used for food and medicinal purposes by humans throughout the centuries. Many of these species can be found near coastal areas and usually grow under saline conditions, while others can adapt in various harsh conditions including high salinity. Many of these species have a long history of gathering from the wild as a source of food. The aim of this contribution is an overview on the most important halophyte species (Salicornia sp. pl., Arthrocaulon macrostachyum (Moric.) Piirainen & G. Kadereit, Soda inermis Fourr., Cakile maritima Scop., Crithmum maritimum L., Reichardia picroides (L.) Roth., Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke subsp. tenoreana (Colla) Soldano & F. Conti, Allium commutatum Guss., Beta vulgaris L. subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang., Capparis spinosa L.) that traditionally have been gathered by rural communities in southern Italy, with special interest on their ecology and distribution, traditional uses, medicinal properties, marketing and early attempts of cultivation. It is worth noting that these species have an attractive new cash crop for marsh marginal lands.

Stimulation of PGP Bacteria on the Development of Seeds, Plants and Cuttings of the Obligate Halophyte Arthrocaulon (Arthrocnemum) macrostachyum (Moric.) Piirainen & G. Kadereit

“…In nature, many species of perennial shrubs reproduce agamically by rooting their lower stems. This portion can be separated from the plant and used for vegetative multiplication [ 72 ]. In fact, there exists research in which fragments of A. macrostachyum are used, such as that of Paraskevopoulou et al [ 73 ], who described that cuttings of this species can be used for green roof systems in arid areas.…”

Genetic variation and structure of endemic and endangered wild celery (Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff.) quantified using novel microsatellite markers developed by next-generation sequencing

“…Developing and strengthening conservation genetic studies to assess or protect genetic diversity has been wildly suggested as a good strategy to assure the sustainable use of wild resources, especially endangered plants ( Liu et al., 2020 ; Garcia-Jacas et al., 2021 ; Accogli et al., 2023 ; Perrino et al., 2023 ). The precise evaluations of genetic diversity and population genetic structure could assist to compile knowledge-based and efficient protection programs ( Liu et al., 2020 ).…”

Ecology, genetic diversity, and population structure among commercial varieties and local landraces of Capsicum spp. grown in northeastern states of India

“…Diverse genetic resources are essential for crop improvement ( Maxted et al., 2008 ; Maxted and Kell, 2009 ; Perrino and Wagensommer, 2021 ; Perrino and Wagensommer, 2022 ; Accogli et al., 2023 ). The region, in spite of having potential genetic diversity in the landraces of Capsicum spp., is yet to be efficiently utilized.…”