Effect of Manure and Compost on the Phytostabilization Potential of Heavy Metals by the Halophytic Plant Wavy-Leaved Saltbush

This study aimed to use organic fertilizers, e.g., compost and manures, and a halophytic plant [wavy-leaved saltbush (Atriplex undulata)] to remediate an agricultural soil polluted with toxic elements. Compost or manure (1% w/w) was added to a polluted soil in a pot trial. The application of the organic fertilizer, whether compost or manure, led to a significant improvement in the growth of the tested plant. From the physiological point of view, the application of organic fertilizers to polluted soil significantly increased the content of chlorophyll, carotenoid, and proline and, furthermore, led to a clear decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plant leaves. The highest significant values of organic carbon in the polluted soil (SOC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found for the soil amended by compost and planted with wavy-leaved saltbush. Manure significantly reduced the soil pH to 7.52. Compost significantly decreased Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb availability by 19, 8, 12, and 13%, respectively, compared to the control. On the other hand, manure increased Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb availability by 8, 15, 18, and 14%, respectively. Compost and manure reduced the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of Cd and Pb. Compost was more effective in increasing the phytostabilization of toxic metals by wavy-leaved saltbush plants compared to manure. The results of the current study confirm that the application of non-decomposed organic fertilizers to polluted soils increases the risk of pollution of the ecosystem with toxic elements. The cultivation of contaminated soils with halophytic plants with the addition of aged organic materials, e. g., compost, is an effective strategy to reduce the spreading of toxic metals in the ecosystem, thus mitigating their introduction into the food chain.

A Brief Study of Quinoa Role and Its Adaptation towards Salinity and Drought Stress

In light of declining freshwater supplies and soil salinization, it is critical to evaluate the ability of halophytic plant species to grow in semi-arid and arid environments, where crop plant production is significantly reduced. Soil salinity is a major agricultural issue in Pakistan, with alt-affected soils alone covering over six million hectares and more than 70% of tube-wells in saline areas pumping out salty water. Quinoa is a crop with seeds having a variety of nutrients in it as well as it’s seed are gluten-free with good agronomic, morphologic and biochemical characteristics and has a great potential to grow under combative climatic conditions; this property of quinoa makes it an excellent crop especially in the countries where adverse climatic conditions exist. It is a pseudo-cereal and is adaptable to different environmental needs, and has a great potential to deal with various abiotic stresses. Quinoa grows well under arid to semi-arid conditions where salinity and drought are common problems. Several studies have been carried out to elucidate the mechanisms used by quinoa to cope with high salt levels in the soil at various stages of plant development, but further research is still needed. Despite several recent researches on quinoa abiotic tension, much detail remains undisclosed. The present review discusses the quinoa adaptation towards salinity and drought stress.

Effects of Salinity on the Macro- and Micronutrient Contents of a Halophytic Plant Species (Portulaca oleracea L.)

The main purpose of the two consecutive experimental studies presented here was to compare the effect of salinity on nutrients in leaves of the halophytic plant species Portulaca oleracea L. and in soil. The first experiment was conducted to study the effect of salinity on plant growth, biomass accumulation, yield, root layer development, salt accumulation, and the dynamics of changes in mineral substances in plants and soil. In the second experiment, P. oleracea seeds were sown directly into salinized soil (treated immediately before plant growth) to determine the nutrient levels in leaves and soil. Three salinity treatments (saline water solution with NaCl: T1, 5 dS m−1; T2, 9.8 dS m−1; and T3, 20 dS m−1) and a control treatment (T0, 1 dS m−1) were used in the first experiment. The soil in the second experiment was used in a previous study (performed immediately before P. oleracea growth) (salinized soil: T1, 7.2 dS m−1; T2, 8.8 dS m−1; T3, 15.6 dS m−1; T0, 1.9 dS m−1). The plants were irrigated with tap water at amounts in the range of 0.25–0.50 L/pot. Analysis of the experimental results showed that P. oleracea is resistant to salinity, is able to remove ions (400–500 kg ha−1 NaCl), and can be grown in saline soil. The results indicated that P. oleracea is able to grow in high-salinity soil. This finding was confirmed by the dry matter obtained under high-salinity conditions. Salinity stress affected nutrient uptake in leaves and soil.

Phytochemical Analysis, Pharmacological and Safety Evaluations of Halophytic Plant, Salsola cyclophylla

Salsola cyclophylla, an edible halophyte, is traditionally used for inflammation and pain. To confirm the claimed anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, a detailed study on respective pharmacological actions was undertaken. The activities are contemplated to arise from its phytoconstituents. The LC-MS analysis of S. cyclophylla 95% aqueous-ethanolic extract revealed the presence of 52 compounds belonging to phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, and aliphatics class. A high concentration of Mn, Fe, and Zn was detected by atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest flavonoid contents (5.94 ± 0.04 mg/g, Quercetin Equivalents) and Fe2+-chelation (52%) potential with DPPH radicals-quenching IC50 at 1.35 ± 0.16 mg/mL, while the aqueous ethanolic extract exhibited maximum phenolics contents (136.08 ± 0.12 mg/g, gallic acid equivalents) with DPPH scavenging potential at IC50 0.615 ± 0.06 mg/mL. Aqueous ethanolic extract and standard quercetin DPPH radicals scavenging’s were equal potent at 10 mg/mL concentrations. The aqueous ethanolic extract showed highest analgesic effect with pain reduction rates 89.86% (p = 0.03), 87.50% (p < 0.01), and 99.66% (p = 0.0004) after 60, 90, and 120 min, respectively. Additionally, aqueous ethanolic extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammation capacity at 41.07% (p < 0.0001), 34.51% (p < 0.0001), and 24.82% (p < 0.0001) after 2, 3, and 6 h of extract’s administration, respectively. The phytochemical constituents, significant anti-oxidant potential, remarkable analgesic, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of extracts supported the traditionally claimed anti-inflammatory and analgesic plant activities.

Phytochemical Screening of Halophytic Plant Heliotropium curassavicum L.

According to the World Health Organization, plants are a source of compounds that have the ability to combat disease, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal activities. The most important of these bioactive constituents of plants are alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Halophytes are salt tolerant plants. They contain high amount of secondary metabolites or phytoconstituents. Correlation between the phytoconstituents and the bioactivity of plant is desirable to know for the synthesis of compounds with specific activities to treat various health ailments and chronic diseases as well. The study of the halophytic plant for the preliminary screening of different phytoconstituents is important. Here, I have done preliminary phytochemical screening of Halophytic plant Heliotropium Curassavicum L.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the bacterial and fungal endophytes of the halophytic plant Kalidium schrenkianum

Endophytes are microbes found within tissues of plants in various types of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including those habitats with ionizing radiation. Our study investigates the differences in composition of bacterial and fungal endophytes associated with the halophytic plant Kalidium schrenkianum and the effects of geochemical factors and radiation (at low, medium, high level and control) on the community structure of endophytic bacteria and fungi. The bacterial class Actinobacteria and the fungal class Dothideomycetes predominated the endophytic communities of K. schrenkianum. Aboveground parts had higher fungal diversity while belowground parts had higher bacterial diversity. Soil pH, total nitrogen, and organic matter showed significant effects on the diversity of root endophytes. Radiation had no significant effect on the abundance of different bacterial classes. Sordariomycetes predominated the root fungal microbiota under high radiation intensity. Differences in the endophytic communities between aboveground and belowground parts were more than that between the radiation levels. No significant differences were found in the aboveground bacterial communities among the radiation levels. Radiation showed a significant effect on the fungal co-occurrence networks. Negative correlations were found between endophytic bacteria and fungi in the plant. The genetic diversity of both endophytic bacteria and fungi was higher in radioactive environments. Our findings suggest that the endophytes associated with aboveground and belowground parts of K. schrenkianum follow different mechanisms for community assembly and different paradigms in stress response.

Comparative Characteristics of Germination of Some Halophyte Plants in Saline Soils of Pavlodar Region

The possibility of using halophytic plant species for remediation of saline soils in Kazakhstan is considered. In this regard, the purpose of our research is a comparative description of the germination of some halophytic plants of Pavlodar region in saline soils of European calf (salicornia europaea L.), Aksora (suaeda salsa Pall.), Tumpek sarzasan (halocnemum strobilaceum Pall.). The article aimed at selecting the most active seeds for the salt by germination indicator using some halophyte plants seeds. A comparative description of the germination of European calf (salicornia europaea L.), Aksora (suaeda salsa Pall.), Tumpek sarsazan (halocnemum strobilaceum Pall.) near Lake Maraldy of Pavlodar region was given. All of these plants have been shown to be true halophytes, and each of them can be used to reduce soil salinity. For this purpose, it can be recommended to the use European calf (salicornia europaea L.) of saline lands of not only in Pavlodar region, but in most saline areas of Kazakhstan.