Halophytes are a distinctive group of higher plants that have evolved to thrive under harsh saline conditions by employing a range of specialized morphological, cellular, and molecular features. India, the most populous country in the world faces a serious threat from land salinization, particularly in its western region, which is dominated by coastal and arid or semi-arid segments. This region hosts a diverse array of halophytes, including several notable species such as Aeluropus lagopoides, Atriplex griffithii, Cressa cretica, Suaeda fruticosa, Suaeda nudiflora, Sporobolus marginatus, Salsola baryosma, Sesuvium portulacastrum, and Tamarix indica. These species are invaluable for multiple uses including oil production, fodder, forage, medicinal, and cosmetic products. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in the reclamation of degraded saline and metal-polluted land, contributing to environmental restoration and sustainability. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity of halophytes in Western India and their sustainable utilization across various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and other industries. To fully harness their benefits, further research is necessary to optimize sustainable management and cultivation through site-specific strategies and the involvement of indigenous communities. This approach can accelerate commercialization of halophytes and sustain agricultural and economic growth in both coastal and inland saline regions.

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Common Halophytes of Western India and Their Utilization

  • Farhana Khan,
  • Arwa Talat,
  • Abhishek Joshi,
  • Bhanupriya Kanthaliya,
  • Jaya Arora

摘要

Halophytes are a distinctive group of higher plants that have evolved to thrive under harsh saline conditions by employing a range of specialized morphological, cellular, and molecular features. India, the most populous country in the world faces a serious threat from land salinization, particularly in its western region, which is dominated by coastal and arid or semi-arid segments. This region hosts a diverse array of halophytes, including several notable species such as Aeluropus lagopoides, Atriplex griffithii, Cressa cretica, Suaeda fruticosa, Suaeda nudiflora, Sporobolus marginatus, Salsola baryosma, Sesuvium portulacastrum, and Tamarix indica. These species are invaluable for multiple uses including oil production, fodder, forage, medicinal, and cosmetic products. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in the reclamation of degraded saline and metal-polluted land, contributing to environmental restoration and sustainability. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity of halophytes in Western India and their sustainable utilization across various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and other industries. To fully harness their benefits, further research is necessary to optimize sustainable management and cultivation through site-specific strategies and the involvement of indigenous communities. This approach can accelerate commercialization of halophytes and sustain agricultural and economic growth in both coastal and inland saline regions.