A salt-loving plant in Saudi Arabia can change the future of agriculture in water-scarce conditions/images

Al Jazeera wrote: The researchers of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (CAUST) in Saudi Arabia, by examining the genome of the plant "Salicornia" or "sea carrot", have reached findings that can help the development of agriculture in dry and water-deficient areas.

The researchers of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (CAUST) in Saudi Arabia proposed;

Al Jazeera also wrote: Salicornia is a salt-loving plant that grows in coastal marshes, muddy plains, and coastal areas and has the ability to tolerate high concentrations of salt. A condition that is fatal to many other plants. The young stems of this plant are consumed as a fresh vegetable and its seeds also contain oil.

Dr. Vanessa Melino and her research team conducted experiments on this plant at KAUST (Vanessa Melino)

In this study, the results of which were published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, the researchers examined the genomes of six Salicornia species and by analyzing 318 genetic samples from 13 countries, they identified genetic mechanisms related to salt tolerance and adaptation of this plant to harsh environments.

The findings show that the structural changes of the genome and the expansion of some genes related to metabolism and response to stress may play a role in the ability of this plant to absorb and store sodium and adapt to salty environments.

The Salicornia Biglove plant (Vanessa Melino) is characterized by thicker and more juicy stems.

According to the researchers, the knowledge of these genetic characteristics can provide the basis for the improvement of Salicornia as a food and oil product. Also, in the long run, some of these characteristics may be used to improve salt tolerance in other agricultural products.

However, turning Salicornia into a large-scale agricultural product still requires more research; including the modification of characteristics such as seeds falling before harvest, long ripening period and small seeds.

This research can be a step towards the development of agricultural products compatible with salty soils and limited fresh water resources; An issue that is increasingly important in the era of aggravating drought and water shortage.