Salt-avoidance mechanisms in the halophyte Distichlis spicata as a promising source for improved salt resistance in crop plants

Amnon Bustan, Yaron Sitrit, Rachel Davidovici, Dov Pasternak, Michele Zaccai Sabatani

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Salinity is an escalating problem in agriculture worldwide (Szabolics, 1989; Hamdy, 1996; Choukr-Allah, 1996). The use of recycled and saline waters to replace fresh water in agriculture contributes, among other factors, to the aggravation of salinity problems. Most crop plants are sensitive to salinity and poorly equipped to cope with salt stress without suffering from impaired growth and development, and even injury (Läuchli and Epstein, 1990; Maas, 1990). The adverse effects of salinity cause considerable reduction in yields, far below the economic threshold of most crops in present use. It can be stated quite confidently that the prevalent future environment of agricultural crops will be much more saline than today. Therefore, improving salt resistance of crop plants is of major interest in agricultural research. Halophytes are the ultimate candidates to serve as a genetic source for this purpose.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCash Crop Halophytes
Subtitle of host publicationRecent Studies
EditorsHELMUT LIETH
PublisherSpringer
Pages87-91
StatePublished - 2003

Publication series

NameTASKS FOR VEGETATION SCIENCE
Volume38

Keywords

  • Salt Stress
  • Salt Gland
  • Salt Resistance
  • Antiporter Gene

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