Wild halophytic species as forage sources: Key aspects for plant breeding

The use of wild halophytic species as forage resources in saline environments has gained increasing attention. Argentina ranks third in area of saline soils in the world, with a third of its territory showing various degrees of salinity, sodicity and/or alkalinity. On this type of soils, rangelands are the main forage resource for livestock production. Many wild species have forage potential and can also be used for the rehabilitation of rangelands and for intercropping. Information about these species, as well as on the physiological and genetic bases associated with salinity tolerance, provides relevant tools for efficient selection methods. This study addresses Argentine wild halophyte species with forage potential and describes selection criteria with an emphasis on the following taxa: (a) Poaceae: subfamily Chloridoideae and tribes Paniceae and Triticeae, (b) Fabaceae and (c) Amaranthaceae (formerly known as Chenopodiaceae). The review is intended to contribute to the general discussion on strategies for the improvement of wild plant genetic resources, using forage species naturally growing in saline soils in Argentina as a case study.     

Abiotic stress and water scarcity: Identifying and resolving conflicts from plant level to global level

Irrigated crops are increasingly facing water scarcity and other forms of abiotic stress, including the presence of salts and other pollutants in soil and irrigation water, waterlogging and flooding of soils, low pH in acid sulfate soils, and anaerobic and toxic conditions in the rootzone. More progress has been made with the alleviation of some of these stresses than with others. This paper examines why salinity of soil and irrigation water is common and nearly inevitable in the irrigated lands of the semi-arid tropics and subtropics. It considers opportunities for and constraints in making management changes that would increase the productivity of water (i.e., the yield per unit of water diverted from the source or consumed in evapotranspiration) at system and basin level. Success of water management interventions in reducing the impact of abiotic stresses on rice production under saline conditions and on acid soils depends on improved control over the components of the water and ion balances at field and basin level. One of these measures is the installation of drainage systems. The benefits and costs of sub-surface drainage are illustrated by an example from Egypt's Nile Delta. An integrated approach to water resource management is an essential but not sufficient condition to prevent conflicts between different users and consumers of the scare resource.     

Field Crop Production in Areas with Saline Soils and Shallow Saline Groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley of California

SUMMARY

Salinity in soil and water is irrevocably associated with irrigated agriculture throughout the world and as a result requires that salt management becomes an integral part of the production system. With careful water management, it is possible to sustain irrigated agriculture in areas with saline soil and saline groundwater with and without subsurface drainage. The results from two field projects conducted in an area with saline soils and saline groundwater demonstrated the type of irrigation systems and management needed to sustain production of moderately salt tolerant and tolerant crops. During the first study at Murrieta farms, yields of cotton and sugar beet were maintained using both saline and non-saline water for irrigation when pre-plant irrigation and rainfall were adequate to maintain soil salinity at a tolerable level. Wheat production was reduced in areas that used saline water for irrigation. Use of saline water containing toxic elements such as boron for irrigation poses a threat to the sustainability of the system. The second study evaluated the management of furrow and subsurface drip irrigation in the presence of shallow saline groundwater. Careful management of the furrow system during pre-plant irrigation and the first irrigation of the growing season was required to prevent waterlogging. It was possible to manage the subsurface drip system to induce significant crop water use from shallow groundwater. Rainfall and pre-plant irrigation were adequate at this site to manage soil salinity.     

Variability in salt tolerance of native populations of Elymus scabrifolius (Döll) J. H. Hunz from Argentina

Elymus scabrifolius is a native C3 South American grass species. It is valued as forage species adapted to various environments in Argentina and is also a potential source of traits for wheat‐breeding programmes. Efficient utilization of native genetic resources requires extensive collection and characterization of available material. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize variability in salt tolerance within E. scabrifolius populations in Argentina. Specimens of E. scabrifolius were collected from a wide range of soils in Argentina, and most populations were found in saline environments with high sodium levels. Intraspecific variability in salt tolerance was estimated, and its relation to the salinity level of the populations’ natural environment was assessed. A principal component analysis based on growth data distinguished lines from saline and non‐saline habitats only under salt conditions. Results suggest that selecting under stressed environments is a reasonable strategy for breeding E. scabrifolius. Lines of saline origin had higher biomass under both control and saline conditions, suggesting that higher gains from selection would be obtained if germplasm from this origin was used, and tillering may be the most useful indirect selection criterion for improving salt tolerance. The association between salt tolerance, ion content and osmotic adjustment was also assessed. Salt‐sensitive lines accumulated high sodium levels in leaves. However, osmotic adjustment did not correlate with the maintenance of leaf elongation rates under salinity in the genotypes included in this study.     

Productivity Enhancement in the Salt-Affected Lands of Joint Satiana Pilot Project Area of Pakistan

SUMMARY

Salt-affected lands are common in Pakistan and cover an area of 6.8 million ha; i.e., about one-third of the total cultivated area. Reduction in yield of different crops due to salinity and waterlogging is sometimes more than 60%, and annual losses under rice-wheat rotation have been calculated at Rs. 10 billion (US$ 166 million). Other adverse effects of salinity on the community are very large and about 16 million people are affected directly by the hazards of salinity and waterlogging. Average farmers in Satiana project area (38 villages) have 4–5 ha of land, of which approximately 55% are salt-affected. This area is equipped with a modern tile drainage system but it has not shown the expected impact on the rehabilitation of salt-affected soils. Farmers of Satiana area are poor and depend on off-farm activities for their livelihood. Nevertheless, they are keen to improve their soils. A productivity enhancement program was launched in the affected area, where saline agriculture was successfully demonstrated to restore the productivity of salt-affected lands and about 405 ha were successfully rehabilitated by planting salt-tolerant trees, forage shrubs, crops and applying gypsum to improve the soil conditions. Some relevant research studies used to develop the saline agriculture strategy have also been discussed.     

Nutrient deficiency and hypoxia as constraints to Panicum coloratum growth in alkaline soils

Alkaline and saline–alkaline soils impose severe restrictions on plant growth. Panicum coloratum var. coloratum is a perennial C4 forage grass widely used in tropical and subtropical environments. Published information on its responses to alkaline soil conditions is scarce. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize the effects of alkaline substrates on germination and initial growth in this species, (ii) to assess the influence of high pH in combination with reduced availability of either nutrients or oxygen and salinity, on plant growth and (iii) to evaluate some physiological traits potentially responsible for growth restrictions under alkaline soil conditions. Trials were conducted in a greenhouse. Germination and early plant survival were not affected by alkalinity. To isolate the effects of high pH, reduced nutrient and oxygen availability on growth, plants were grown either in neutral or alkaline soil, in hydroponics, in neutralized alkaline soil (with or without supplementary fertilization), or were flooded to induce hypoxia. Alkalinity effects on growth in hydroponics were milder than in soil. Growth in alkaline soil with nutrient supplement was still significantly lower (by 40%) than in neutral soil. Both alkalinity and hypoxia reduced growth non‐synergistically. These results show that studies of plant response to alkaline substrates carried out in aerated nutrient solutions can only partially address the complexity of this stress. Photosynthesis and PSII activity were among the physiological mechanisms negatively affected by alkalinity and may be partially responsible for the growth limitations observed in P. coloratum under alkaline conditions.     

Response of Sunflowers to Quantities of Irrigation Water,Irrigation Regimes and Salinities in the Water and Soil

Summary

The production of sunflower grains for roasting was investigated in two soil types under different quantities of applied saline and non-saline irrigation water, different irrigation managements, soil salinity due to previous use of saline water or due to a raised water table. It was shown in one experiment, conducted in a loess type soil, that sunflowers extracted water at least to a soil depth of 120 cm, when the available water from the top layers was used up. The crop in this soil consumed all the available soil water from nearly the entire root zone, while in the clay soil limited water was consumed from deep layers, due to the high salinity and lack of aeration.

No decrease in yield was found in the loess soil when 75% of the full amount of water (which was 0.8 of Class A pan evaporation rate) was applied. When only 50% was applied a significant decrease in yield was obtained. In contrast, in the clay soil even 75% of the full amount of water decreased the yield remarkably. Under dry-land conditions approximately 65% of maximum yield was found in the loess soil but only 45% in the clay soil. These differences are all attributed to a shallow active root system in the clay soil. Residual soil salinity from previously use of saline water had no effect on grain production in the loess soil, while saline irrigation water applied during the irrigation season decreased production, but only when water supply was not rate limiting. The combination of saline water and residual soil salinity had a marked effect on the decrease of grain yield under limited irrigation. In both soils a reduction in the amount of water applied per single irrigation and maintaining the entire irrigation period caused a significantly smaller decrease in yield than shortening the irrigation period and applying the full demand.     

Progress in Plant Salinity Resistance Research: Need for an Integrative Paradigm

SUMMARY

Population pressure, shortage of good arable land and good quality waters are forcing crop production into more marginal environments facing abiotic stresses (drought and salinity) and thereby limiting the adaptation and productivity of staple food crops. The situation is assuming serious proportion, as almost half of the existing irrigation system of the world is under the influence of secondary salinity, sodicity or waterlogging. Therefore, to maintain productivity of existing arable land, the sustainability of the agricultural and irrigation systems that has been generated at a huge cost, is more important than immediate increases in yield. Much work done in the last century in several countries has increased our understanding of the genetics and physiology of salt tolerance of plants. Crop responses to salt stress are made up of a number of complex and interrelated, morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. However, we still do not have a complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms of salt tolerance. The multigenic, quantitative nature of salt tolerance imposes several limitations on the efforts to improve salt tolerance of plants. The biological approach to tackle problems of salinity has its critics as well as advocates. Identification and development of crops and their cultivars with improved salt tolerance has been the key to improve productivity. Efforts in this direction using traditional methods of plant breeding and modern tools of biotechnology have led to the development and release of many cultivars with improved salt tolerance at the global level. Many of these superior cultivars have yet to prove their worth in actual stress situations. Integrative approaches in this direction, including the frontier areas of plant molecular biology have been discussed. In view of the enormity of the situation and immense challenges involved, efforts in this direction have to be more focused and multidisciplinary in approach. This should receive much higher priority and resources from scientists, administrators, and policy makers.     

Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. (Indian sandbur), a blessing or curse in arid ecosystems: a review

Although a widely used forage plant in arid areas, Cenchrus biflorus is viewed by many scientists as an invasive weed that has a serious negative impact on agriculture and biodiversity in arid and semi‐arid environments. It has risen from insignificance as a forage and famine cereal crop to its recent status as one of the most economically destructive weeds in many regions of the world. Numerous features like high nutritional value, prolific seed production, tolerance to high temperature and prolonged drought conditions contributed greatly towards its success as a potential forage species in arid environments. But, evidence from agriculturalists shows that it is a destructive invader which disrupts cultural practices and reduces natural biodiversity. Unfortunately, limited knowledge is available about its ecology and management in natural habitats and agro‐ecosystems. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of its ecology, biology, agricultural impact, management and utilization. This review also provides future directions for research on C. biflorus in arid environments.     

Effect of saline soil on grain quality of rices differing in salinity tolerance

Four varieties of rice, differing in salinity tolerance and grown in saline soil (electrical conductivity 5–6 dS/m) at Sadhoke, Punjab, Pakistan, had lighter grain and higher Na content than control samples. Grains of three out of the four rices grown on saline soils had higher brown rice protein (higher nutritional value), less translucent grain, lower starch and amylose content, and lower K than their control samples, but these differences were not related to salinity tolerance. Alkali spreading value and gel consistency were not affected by culture in saline soil. Cooked rice Instron hardness increased in saline culture in two higher-protein samples of the four rices. Amylograph peak viscosity was suppressed by saline culture.     

Water use efficiency and drought survival in Mediterranean perennial forage grasses

In Mediterranean areas, water use efficiency (WUE) is mainly increased by maximising crop growth during the rainy seasons. Perennial forage species have a number of advantages in comparison to the predominantly used annuals. They can utilize water from autumn to spring, while annuals need to be sown or to germinate from the soil seed bank. Under Mediterranean annual rainfall pattern, perennial plants must grow from autumn to spring and survive under summer aridity. Drought survival can impact water use efficiency through plant mortality and stand recovery after autumn rainfalls. In order to enhance knowledge of physiological and agronomic traits associated with WUE and persistence, a 3-year study was conducted at two Mediterranean sites, comparing a range of accessions of two perennial species, cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh). Within the accessions of predominantly Mediterranean origin, we defined four major functional types, i.e. groups of accessions with similar response to summer drought. One type (FT1) is represented by the only cultivar of a semi-arid cocksfoot (Kasbah) that is completely summer dormant, with high persistence under the most arid situations but with low WUE. The type FT2 all cocksfoot cultivars (Currie, Delta-1, Jana, Medly, and Ottava) that are not or less summer dormant, with good perenniality and intermediate productivity at rainy seasons. The type FT3 includes the cultivars of tall fescue (Centurion, Flecha, Fraydo, and Tanit) that combine an incomplete summer dormancy, a deep rooting system and the highest WUE from autumn to spring. The type FT4 is represented by a cultivar of tall fescue (Sisa) with no summer dormancy, therefore less persistent and also less productive. Dehydration avoidance in tall fescue and cocksfoot and summer dormancy in cocksfoot were the main strategies contributing to persistence under summer drought. WUE in autumn was highly correlated with sward recovery after drought. Seasonal and total WUE were also highly correlated with biomass production over the same period and with depth and density of the root system. Parameterization of functional types of the major species of forage grasses will enhance future modelling work to test the effects of a range of environments and future climate scenarios.     

Saline-Alkali Tolerance in Rice: Physiological Response,Molecular Mechanism,and QTL Identification and Application to Breeding

Salinity-alkalinity is incipient abiotic stress that impairs plant growth and development. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a major food crop greatly affected by soil salinity and alkalinity, requiring tolerant varieties in the saline-alkali prone areas. Understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms of saline-alkali tolerance paves the base for improving saline-alkali tolerance in rice and leads to progress in breeding. This review illustrated the physiological consequences, and molecular mechanisms especially signaling and function of regulating genes for saline-alkali tolerance in rice plants. We also discussed QTLs regarding saline-alkali tolerance accordingly and ways of deployment for improvement. More efforts are needed to identify and utilize the identified QTLs for saline-alkali tolerance in rice.     

作物耐湿性生理及分子机理研究进展

湿害是影响作物产量及品质的重要因素之一。本文综述了湿害胁迫对作物无氧呼吸、抗氧化系统、不同激素含量等生理生化指标的影响及作物耐湿分子机理的研究进展,旨在为进一步揭示作物耐湿生理、分子机理及筛选和培育耐湿作物新品种提供参考。     

The Use of Saline Water in Agriculture in the Near East and North Africa Region: Present and Future

SUMMARY

Salinity is a major problem that negatively impacts agricultural activities in many regions in the world, and especially the Near East and North Africa region. Generally, salinity problems increase with increasing salt concentration in irrigation water. Crop growth reduction due to salinity is generally related to the osmotic potential of the root-zone soil solution. This will lead to certain phenological changes and substantial reduction in productivity. Salinity also affects the soil physical properties. Sewage treated wastewater is an alternative water source for irrigation. Using such wastewater will provide a new water resource to expand agricultural activities as well as reduce the environmental pollution. Each country in the region has a unique system of rules and regulations to protect the quality of water resources. Important aspects that should be taken into account when using wastewater for irrigation are discussed, including some information on the different irrigation systems used in the region, and the factors leading to success of using saline water for economic crop production. Information on the use of saline water or marginal saline soils for wheat production and improvement of irrigation systems, including old land irrigation systems, under Egyptian conditions is also presented. The regional experiences and the future prospects of using saline water for crop production that vary greatly among countries in the Near East and North Africa region are summarized. This article also presents information on special cultivation methods, such as protected agriculture and soilless culture that can help in alleviating the salinity effects. Finally, the article includes some examples on the inherited knowledge for saline agriculture that conveys the grower's experience in the Near East and North Africa region where several living examples for unique and sustainable cultivation system are still in operation. One of the most impressive cultivation techniques for bio-saline crop management in Egypt is the Edkawy production system.     

A vegetation reconstruction method to plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sedum spectabile</Emphasis> Boreau using drip-irrigation with saline water on a coastal saline soil in region around Bohai Gulf

Soil salinity and saline groundwater are major constraints to the cultivation of crops and landscape plants in coastal regions. With the rapid industrialization and urbanization in these areas, there is an urgent need to improve the landscape to meet the increasing demand of living environments for cities and districts. The aim of this study was to propose a method to plant Sedum spectabile Boreau, a common landscape flower plant, on a very heavy coastal saline soil using drip-irrigation with saline water in region around Bohai Gulf. The salinity levels of irrigation water were 0.8, 3.1, 4.7, 6.3a, nd 7.8 dS/m, respectively. The results showed that the revegetation method, which mainly included ‘ridge planting + saline water drip-irrigation’, was effective in planting Sedum spectabile Boreau for reclaiming coastal saline silt soil. An soil matric potential (SMP) higher above ?5 kPa after transplanted and ?10 kPa after growing season ended, and 6 mm of irrigation water can be used as indicators for Sedum spectabile Boreau drip-irrigation scheduling with 100 % survival rate when irrigated with saline water at <7.8 dS/m in initially saline soils with a gravel–sand layer after tillage. This method is combined with comprehensive utilization of the saline water, agronomic measures, collaborative repair of the soil and plants to offer new views and theoretical support for the protection and development of saline land in coastal regions.     

Soil Salinity in South India: Problems and Solutions

SUMMARY

Soil salinity is assuming menacing proportions for production of agricultural and horticultural crops in South India. South India comprises of Andhra Pradesh (AP), Tamil Nadu (TN), Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Islands in Bay of Bengal (Andaman and Nicobar) and Arabian Sea (Lakshadweep). It comprises central uplands, Deccan plateau (Karnataka plateau and Telangana plateau of AP), Nilgiri hills of TN, South Sahiailri, Eastern hills (Eastern Ghats, TN, upland) and Coastal Plains. The rainfall ranges from 400 to 500 mm in AP, 450 to 1300 mm in Karnataka, 500 to 1215 mm in TN, 100 to 450 mm in Kerala. Climate is mainly semi-arid in nature. Red soils (Alfisols, Inceptisols, and Entisols) make up about 60–65% and are well drained, blacksoils (Vertisols and Inceptisols) comprise about 20–25% and the rest are coastal sands. Soil salinity problems are encountered in almost all the districts in Karnataka and AP. The area extends to about 0.176 million ha in AP, 0.2 million ha in Karnataka, 0.0427 million ha in TN and about 0.03 million ha in Kerala. Introduction of canal irrigation water and use of underground saline waters accelerated the appearance of salt affected soils. Soil salinity observed in South India ranges from hydrometphic saline soils in Kerala to highly saline (EC 20–30 dS m^?1) in Karnataka and AP. Saline soils were classified in to Natrargids or Solarthrids at subgroup level depending on the occurance of nitric or salic horizon within few centimetres of the surface. Soil salinity has reduced crop yields upto 50% and consequently cropping has been abandoned in many areas. Excess soluble salts can be removed through scrapping the surface salt crust or flushing and leaching or through subsurface drainage depending on the problem. Crops also vary in their ability to tolerate salinity at different stages of growth. In most crops subjected to irrigations with saline waters, germination and early seedling stages are generally the most sensitive and their tolerance increases with age. Salt tolerant varieties and nutrient management of crops in saline soils are important solutions for crop production under saline soils.     

小麦的耐盐性及其改良研究进展

盐碱地是影响作物生产的主要因素,培育耐盐小麦品种是有效利用盐碱地、提高经济效益的最佳途径。就小麦耐盐机理、耐盐性鉴定方法、种质鉴定与品种选育、外源基因利用、耐盐性遗传和耐盐基因克隆等6个方面的研究现状进行了简要概述,提出了进一步改良小麦耐盐性的方法和对策。     

Short‐term soil quality response to forage species and pH

Forages are important throughout the south‐east USA for livestock production and wildlife habitat. However, little is known about how forage species commonly grown in this region influence soil‐quality indicators. The objectives of this research were to determine short‐term response of soil water‐stable aggregates (WSA) and density of fungal hyphae (DFH) to: (i) forage species or mixtures grown at identical soil pH levels and (ii) forage species or mixtures grown at field‐state versus adjusted soil pH levels. Nine warm‐season species (sole crop) and eleven cool‐season sole crop or legume–grass mixtures were grown under protected culture in southern coastal plain soil microcosms. Levels of WSA and DFH, and plant shoot and root biomass were evaluated after two 12‐week experimental growth periods in both field‐state and adjusted‐pH soil. Both warm‐ and cool‐season forage species significantly altered short‐term responses of WSA and DFH levels; these responses differed when the soil pH was adjusted from the field state with lime addition. The short‐term responses of both WSA and DFH to lime addition in coastal plain soil were negative only when certain forage species were grown, and no response was detected for the control. It appeared that differences in plant shoot and root developmental characteristics played a key role in soil WSA and DFH responses to the species studied. Further long‐term studies are needed to understand how these relationships are expressed in more variable environments over expanded time frames.     

水稻耐盐研究进展及展望

水稻是一种对盐碱中度敏感的作物,土壤盐碱化是限制盐碱稻作区水稻生产稳定发展的主要因素,通过深入开展水稻耐盐碱性研究,了解水稻耐盐碱生理机理、遗传差异,盐碱胁迫对水稻生长发育的影响,以及提高水稻耐盐的方法,对发挥水稻品种在盐碱稻作区的产量潜力,保证盐碱稻作区粮食的安全生产具有十分重要的意义。     

Deep Root Water Uptake Ability and Water Use Efficiency of Pearl Millet in Comparison to Other Millet Species

Abstract

Pearl millet is better adapted to hot and semi-arid conditions than most other major cereals. The objective of this study was to compare the deep water uptake ability and water use efficiency (WUE) of pearl millet among millet species. First, the WUE of six millet species was evaluated in pots under waterlogging, well-watered (control), and drought conditions. Secondly, the water uptake from deep soil layers by pearl millet and barnyard millet, which showed the highest drought and waterlogging tolerance, respectively, was compared in long tubes which consisted of three parts (two loose soil layers separated by a hardpan and a Vaseline layer). Soil moisture was adjusted to well-watered and drought conditions in the upper (topsoil) layer, while the lower (deep) layer was always kept wet. WUE was significantly reduced in all millet species by waterlogging but not by drought. The ratio of WUE to the control condition indicated that pearl millet had the highest and lowest resistances to drought and waterlogging conditions, respectively, while barnyard millet was the most stable under both conditions. The deuterium concentration in xylem sap water, relative water uptake from deep soil layers, and water uptake efficiency of deep roots were significantly increased in barnyard millet but not in pearl millet by drought in topsoil layers. In conclusion, the drought resistance of pearl millet is explained by higher WUE but not by increased water uptake efficiency in deep soil layers as compared to barnyard millet, another drought-resistant millet species.