Domestication of plants for sustainable agriculture in drylands: Experience from the Negev Desert |
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Authors: | Oren Shelef Ofer Guy Elaine Solowey Michael Kam A Allan Degen Shimon Rachmilevitch |
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Institution: | 1. French Associates Institute for Agriculture &2. Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel;3. Ramat Negev R&4. D, Israel;5. Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Ketura, Israel;6. Desert Animal Adaptations &7. Husbandry, Wyler Department of Dryland Agriculture, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel |
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Abstract: | With globalization in the last century, introduction of exotic plant species for commercial use has become more accessible. Such attempts may involve extreme land changes. We stress that domestication of native species should be preferred to the introduction of exotic species. We took the initial steps in domesticating several species by examining commercial uses and studying aspects of plant physiology. The following desert plants were considered: Bassia indica, for salt phytoremediation and for livestock feed; Commiphora gileadensis, as an agent against cancer cells; Artemisia sieberi and A. judaica, as plants with allopathic traits; Ficus palmate, as a stand for fig plantation; Balanites aegyptiaca, as a medicinal plant and for other uses; Portulaca oleracea and Scorzonera judaica, as food crops with added values; and Pistacia atlantica, as rootstock for P. vera. |
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Keywords: | Artemisia Balanites aegyptiaca Bassia indica Commiphora gileadensis Ficus palmate Pistacia atlantica plant domestication Portulaca oleracea Scorzonera judaica sustainable agriculture |
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