Salinity-Induced Changes in Growth Attributes, Water Relation and Ion Flux of Subtropical Halophytes

Abstract

Although halophytes could grow in a variety of habitats with extreme temperatures and highly variable saline conditions, this chapter explains growth dynamics of subtropical halophytes growing near inland and coastal areas of Karachi. Growth and ecophysiological parameters are discussed in this review which will provide an insight for domestication of the halophytes using saline resources considering their presence in heterogeneous habitats (such as dunes, marshes, salt flats, etc.). Studies suggest that most of the grasses grow best under nonsaline control and reduce their growth under saline conditions, while most of the dicots

Wild Halophytic Phragmites karka Biomass Saccharification by Bacterial Enzyme Cocktail

“…About half of the readily available global freshwater is estimated to support the ever-growing world population and associated ecosystems. The population water requirements result in increasing competition for the freshwater, followed by challenges in the context of spread of salinization of agricultural land ( Ahmed et al, 2020 ; Munir et al, 2021 ). The salinity-resisting potential of halophytes is remarkable as these plant species can survive salinity of up to 5,000 mg l –1 ( Rozema et al, 2013 ).…”

“…These hyper-saline conditions are injurious for the growth of more than 90% of other plant species termed as glycophytes ( Rozema et al, 2013 ). Halophytes do not intrude on prime agricultural lands and are least threatening for the global food supply by protecting good-quality water resources ( Ahmed et al, 2020 ). Moreover, they also reduce the relative cost of crop cultivation and additionally serve as an ideal bio-products manufacturing feedstock ( Abideen et al, 2014 ).…”