Physiological Responses of Halophytes to the Combined Effects of Salinity and Phosphorus Deficiency

Abstract

Halophytes are plants which are naturally found in saline habitats where generally a number of abiotic stresses such as salinity and phosphorus (P) deficiency coexist. Although the individual effects of salinity and P shortage have been largely studied and are well described in the literature, information about the physiological behavior of halophytes to the combined effects of salinity and P deficiency is rare. Moreover, there is no cut mechanistic explanation about the relationships between these two stresses. However, halophytes are often subjected to the combined effects of these two stresses principally in calcareous saltaffected soils characterized by high pH and low P solubility. Cross-tolerance is the mechanism by which a plant resistance to a stress incites resistance to another. Many studies pointed out that osmotic adjustment, nutrient homeostasis, oxidative stress tolerance, and enhanced biosynthesis of