Effects of drought and increased temperature on phytochemical traits of the edible halophyte Crithmum maritimum: Perspectives for future climatic scenarios

Abstract

Climate change, characterised by drought events and rising temperatures, exerts a significant threat to crop productivity and global food security. Halophytes, known for their resilience in harsh conditions, offer promising options for sustainable cultivation alternatives. Our study focused on Crithmum maritimum, commonly known as sea fennel, an edible halophyte with potential in the food and nutraceutical industries, to explore the impacts of drought and increased temperatures on its nutritional and antioxidant profiles. Different C. maritimum populations displayed high nutritional qualities, suitable for consumption despite appearing slight differences among localities. While both drought and increased temperatures affected plant growth and phytochemical profiles, their impact on nutritional value was minor. Surprisingly, drought induced an unexpected decline in phenolic content, challenging the assumption of increased antioxidants in response to water scarcity. Different rates of decrease in leaf production were observed among C. maritimum populations under drought, yet overall, they maintained similar levels, suggesting potential suitability for cultivation in environments with limited water availability. Diverse population-specific responses under climatic treatments revealed different alterations in amino acid and oxidative stress profiles, suggesting diverse adaptive strategies. These findings provide critical insights into C. maritimum adaptability to climate-driven changes, offering valuable information for future agricultural practices