The C4 Atriplex halimus vs. the C3 Atriplex hortensis: Similarities and Differences in the Salinity Stress Response

Soil properties and the ability to sustain agricultural production are seriously impaired by salinity. The cultivation of halophytes is seen as a solution cope with problem. In this framework, greenhouse pot experiment was set up assess salinity response in perennial C4 species Atriplex halimus, following three cultivars annual C3 hortensis: green, red, scarlet. four genotypes were grown for 35 days water (WS) ranging from 0 360 mM NaCl. Plant height fresh weight (FW) increased at vs. WS. stomatal conductance (GS) transpiration rate (E) more severely affected A. halimus than hortensis. This reflected lower leaf potential indicating stronger osmotic adjustment, higher relative content associated turgid leaves, PCA including all studied traits, GS E negatively correlated FW, which, turn, positively Na concentration intrinsic use efficiency (iWUE), that reduced gas exchange accumulation contributed iWUE under Finally, FTIR spectroscopy showed amount pectin, lignin, cellulose salinity, weakened cell wall structure. Overall, both remarkably adapted salinity: From an agronomic perspective, opposite strategies longer faster soil coverage, involved hortensis cv. scarlet, viable natural remedies revegetating marginal saline soils increasing organic carbon.