Abstract
The halophytes are plants that can survive and reproduce under high salinity. They show high potentiality as new crops plant for biosaline agriculture. Crithmum maritimum L. (Apiaceae) is one of the promising halophytes. In this paper, the endosperm structure of the fruit of this oilseeds halophyte was investigated using scanning electrons microscopy (SEM), light microscopy (LM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM). The fruit was composed of a spongy outer coat, a secretory envelope, a thin endocarp reduced to a unicellular layer delimiting the endosperm and an embryo. The endosperm cell appeared limited by thick cell wall and filled with numerous reserve globoids. The histochemical test showed that the cell wall of the endosperm was rich of carbohydrates as revealed by PAS (periodic acid-schiffs). Within the endosperm cells, there were mainly lipid bodies and protein bodies. The starch grains were less abundant. The protein bodies enclose crystal globoids. The x-ray microanalysis revealed that the reserve globoids accumulated mostly Mg, K, Ca, S and P. Taken together, these results highlight the structural features, the biochemical composition and confirm the nutritional quality of C. maritimum L. fruit. Keys words: C. maritimum L., crystal globoids, the endosperm cells, histochemical test, protein bodies, x-ray microanalysis.
Highlights
In arid regions, desertification, soil salinization and water shortage constitute the common problems due to a variety of natural and human caused factors (Kinet et al, 1998; Khan and Qaiser, 2006; Koyro et al, 2008)
The histochemical tests revealed that the cell wall of the endosperm was rich with carbohydrates as revealed by periodic acid-schiffs (PAS) coloration (Figure 4a)
In C. maritimum L., the endosperm cells appeared limited by thick cell wall and filled with numerous globoid reserves
Summary
Desertification, soil salinization and water shortage constitute the common problems due to a variety of natural and human caused factors (Kinet et al, 1998; Khan and Qaiser, 2006; Koyro et al, 2008) In these areas, the salt-affected soils contain high concentrations of soluble salts that reduce the growth and the productivity of the most conventional crop species (Koyro et al, 2008). It is well known that in these areas there are specific plants that acquire a specific adaptation which permit them to pass the problems related to moisture deficit stress and soil salinization
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