Genotypic diversity in willow (Salix spp.) is associated with chemical and morphological polymorphism, suggesting human-assisted dissemination in the Eastern Mediterranean

The Physiological Response of Different Brook Willow (Salix acmophylla Boiss.) Ecotypes to Salinity

“…While several common woody plants used for phytoremediation (such as some poplar and eucalyptus hybrids) have demonstrated a certain level of tolerance to high salinity [ 66 , 67 ], willow tolerance to saline environments has been less frequently investigated. The present study may support the findings of Muklada et al [ 42 ] regarding the parentage of Darom and Mea She’arim as a result of hybridization between S. acmophylla and S. alba . The relatively high salt tolerance of Darom and Mea She’arim may therefore be the result of hybrid vigor.…”

“…Genomic and chemical analyses subsequently demonstrated that Mea She’arim and Darom group together as hybrids of S. acmophylla , and potentially S. alba , given its ubiquitous occurrence throughout the region. The accession Adom is instead a part of a separate group of pure S. acmophylla clones found in both Israel and Jordan [ 42 ]. The three ecotypes represent two separate chemotype groups of secondary compounds, several of which may be important for abiotic stress responses.…”

“…Expression levels of these genes increase over time with exposure to salt stress, and variations in expression levels between ecotypes coincide with varying degrees of salt tolerance. Capacity to exclude and regulate Na movement should be further explored as a potential mechanism explaining the tolerance to salinity observed in the genotype/chemotype represented here by Darom and Mea She’arim [ 42 ].…”

Protocol for In Vitro Propagation of Salix acmophylla (Boiss.). Studies on Three Ecotypes

“…The species has been studied for its potential use in phytoremediation [35,36] in semi-arid climates, given its wide-ranging natural distribution and its demonstrated tolerance to heavy metals and salinity [37]. Recently, S. acmophylla irrigated with pre-treated municipal wastewater was successfully used as green fodder for goats, providing specific chemicals that have high potential value in maintaining animal health [38,39]. Moreover, S. acmophylla is considered medicinally active as a febrifuge and is traditionally used for the treatment of abscesses, ulcers, rheumatism, and chronic dysentery [40].…”

“…S. acmophylla is uniquely distant genetically from other willows, as demonstrated by the screening of 22 primer combinations through the analysis of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) in eight Salix species [42]; in this study, S. acmophylla appeared well separated from other willow species such as S. alba, S. triandra, S. babylonica, S. matsudana and was close only to S. excelsa S.G.Gmel. However, Muklada et al [39] found that ecotypes of S. acmophylla, sourced from more than 40 geographically distinct sites in both Israel and Jordan, resolved into three genotypes. Two of the genotypes were natural crosses between S. acmophylla and S. alba or another unidentified Salix, while the third, which was the most common, was pure S. acmophylla.…”