Atriplex Halimus Research Articles

A comparative analysis of the community of carabid beetles associated with two native xerophytic shrub species (Atriplex halimus L. and Artemisia herba alba L.) in the semi-arid zone of Algeria

The distribution of carabid beetles in two xerophytic native shrub species was studied by pitfall trapping during four years, in a semi-arid zone of Algeria. A total of 51 beetle species were recorded; 38 and 23 species were encountered in the Atriplex halimus and the Artemisia herba alba L. shrub habitats, respectively. Differences were found in the beetle species richness and abundance among the sampled shrubs and the years of study. The data of the species traits as habitat affinity, food preference and flying ability show that xerophilic, carnivorous and macropterous species dominate in both shrub habitats. In the Atriplex halimus habitat, which has a dense vegetation cover and high humidity conditions, granivorous and hygrophilous species were more numerous. Analysis revealed a significant correlation between beetle abundance and inter-annual rainfall change and a low affinity between the species assemblages of both shrub habitats. Our results suggest that shrub size and species identity play an important role in structuring ground beetle communities.

Importance of Physiological Traits Vulnerability in Determine Halophytes Tolerance to Salinity Excess: A Comparative Assessment in Atriplex halimus.

Many halophytic physiological traits related to the tolerance of plants to salinity excess have been extensively studied, with a focus on biomass and/or gas exchange parameters. To gain a more complete understanding of whether salinity excess affects the physiological performance of halophytes, an experiment was performed using the halophyte Atriplex halimus L. as a model. A. halimus plants were subjected to two salinity treatments (171 and 513 mM NaCl) over 60 days in a controlled environment. After this period, dry biomass, specific stem conductivity, water potential at turgor loss point, osmotic potential, gas exchange parameters, and the fluorescence of chlorophyll a derived parameters were assessed in order to obtain knowledge about the differences in vulnerability that these parameters can show when subjected to salinity stress. Our results showed a decrease in belowground and aboveground biomass. The decrement in biomass seen at 513 mM NaCl was related to photosynthetic limitations and specific stem conductivity. Turgor loss point did not vary significantly with the increment of salinity. Therefore, the parameter that showed less vulnerability to saline stress was the turgor loss point, with only a 5% decrease, and the more vulnerable trait was the stem conductivity, with a reduction of nearly 50%.

Effect of Planting Atriplex seedlings in micro-catchments on attributes of natural vegetation in arid rangelands

Forage productivity of degraded rangelands is low and can be increased through development of small structures across the land slope which capture overland flow and store it in the soil profile for subsequent plant use. Establishment of forage shrubs in micro-catchment structures is commonly practiced to boost forage production on degraded rangelands but its impact on natural vegetation is usually overlooked. This study aimed to compare the effect of planting 8-month-old seedlings of Atriplex halimus in contour ridges versus zero intervention on vegetation attributes of degraded rangelands. Six sites planted with Atriplex halimus in contour ridges were selected in Jordan Badia. Attributes of natural vegetation and Atriplex plants were monitored during March, April, and May of 2017 representing early, mid, and late-spring grazing. Percent cover, species richness, fresh, and dry weights of vegetation forage of treated and untreated areas averaged 30.0 and 12.4%, 2.9 and 1.7 species/m2, 1566 and 695 kg/ha, and 383 and 154 kg/ha, respectively. Atriplex browse contributed 15% to total forage production of treated areas. Restoration of degraded arid rangelands through planting forage shrubs in contour ridges created topographic features that helped in harnessing surface runoff, created better growing conditions for vegetation and improved its attributes.

Preventive and Curative Effects of Atriplex Halimus L. Aqueous Extract on Benzene Provoked Hepatic Injury in Rats

Objective: The present study was designed to estimate the preventive and curative potency of aqueous extract of Atriplex halimus L. (Ah) aerial parts against benzene (BZ) intoxication in liver rats.
 Methods: 30 male albino rats were divided into five groups of 6 rats each: Control, Ah, BZ, AhP+BZ, and BZ+AhC. BZ (100 mg/kg b.w) was added in drinking water for 15 weeks. Aqueous extract of Atriplex halimus was received intragastrically during the last 30 days of BZ exposure for curative treatment (AhC) and all the duration of BZ exposure for preventive treatment (AhP). At the end the experiment, body weight gain and relative liver weight were estimated and liver enzyme markers (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH) were analysed by spectrophotometry. Histopathological studies on hepatic tissue were also performed by the method of Hematoxylin and Eosin staining.
 Results: Benzene administrated to rats caused an alteration in physiological parameters (body and organs weigh) and hepatic enzymes markers (AST, ALT, ALP and LDH). In addition, Histopathological studies showed a massive degeneration in liver tissue in BZ-exposed rats. However, treatment by Atriplex halimus especially preventive effect ameliorated most of the adverse effects induced by benzene. Ah restored the altered of physiological, biochemical and histopathological changes.
 Conclusion: The present study suggests that Atriplex halimus extract could be a substantially promising hepatoprotective agent against benzene toxic effects and may be against other hepatotoxic chemical or drugs.
 Keywords: Atriplex halimus, Benzene, hepatotoxicity, Rats.

Pollen morphological variability correlates with a large-scale gradient of aridity

Abstract. The study of the morphology of living organisms is essential to understand their evolution and diversity. This study aims to determine the importance of climatic gradients in the diversity of pollen morphotypes using Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae) as a model species. Atriplex halimus is a perennial shrubby plant, polymorphic and very resistant to severe environmental conditions. In seven bioclimatic zones, ranging from mesic conditions in the north to hot–hyperarid in the south, pollen samples were collected from 49 sites, with seven accessions per bioclimate. Under a light microscope, pollen grains were selected and analyzed from three anthers of different flowers. Besides the usual pollen grain types, some previously unknown morphotypes, such as sulcate, triangular, and ovoid, were observed and described at the different climatic zones. A total of 10 pollen grain shapes were quantified and discussed following their specific occurrences within different climatic zones. Occurrence frequencies of different pollen shapes ranged between 0 % and 85.7 %, where the pantoporate spheroidal was the most widespread in all climatic zones, especially in the desert climate (85.7 %). Five pollen types occurred exclusively once per climate zone. The pantoporate prolate spheroidal in mesomediterranean climate with a long dry season (28.6 %), sulcate in the xerothermomediterranean climate (14.3%), pantoporate subtriangular in the subdesert climate with a short dry season (14.3 %), and pantoporate subprolate and boat-shaped in a subdesert climate with a long dry season with 14.3 % for each. Our findings help to understand the evolutionary effects of climate gradients on pollen morphology and variability in arid and desert areas and point towards a high degree of specialization in order to maximize trade-offs between pollination efficiency and protection of pollen grains from dehydration.

The Response of Two Halophytic Species to Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil in the Northern Western Region of Egypt

A site that covers over 20 acres of coastal saline depression in the western Mediterranean coastal desert of Egypt (El-Hamra station, the main crude oil pipeline terminal in Alamein) is contaminated with petroleum. This area, prior to contamination by crude oil was dominated by different common halophytes. Atriplex halimus (L) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) are now the most dominant species growing in this site. These species adapt themselves through different growth parameters, physiological and biochemical changes. Crude oil affects significantly on soil fertility and increasing pH (8.4). Importance value (IV), height and canopy diameter of the two studied species exhibited an increase in the polluted site. Organic metabolites such as fatty acids, antioxidant compounds and protein fractions in shoots of studied species which collected from the oil-contaminated and non-contaminated sites were examined. Fatty acid fractions exhibited the opposite performance especially the content of saturated C: 16 (palmitic), mono and di-unsaturated C18:1 (oleic) and C18:2 (linoleic) fatty acids as well as poly-unsaturated C18: 3 and C20: 3 (Omega -3 fatty acids). Antioxidant activity and most examined phenolic compounds were increased in A. macrostachyum which grow in a contaminated site. Protein fractions in A.halimus attained with enormous variations therefore, a Genomic Templet Stability (GTS %) was lower than in A. macrostachyum under contamination. The biochemical and behavioral responses to oil pollution varied with the two different species may be according to the genetic make-up of individuals, which make the two studied species useful and effective tools for phytoremediation purposes.

Mineral Nutrition and Lipids in Chenopodiaceous

The environmental adaptation of the Chenopodiaceae (placed in Amaranthaceae s. l. in APG IV 2016) species is correlated with a physiological adaptation. Indeed, several species of this family are characterized by a C4 photosynthetic pathway. The aim of this work is to evaluate the lipid structure of two plant species of the genus Atriplex (halimus and canescens) in order to elucidate the effect of mineral nutrition on lipid peroxidation. Thus, the effect of three concentrations of Na Cl (100 300 and 600 mMl-1) was studied at the level of the two organs (roots and leaves) through the assay of Malondialdehyde (MDA) which represents a biomarker of lipid destruction. The results shows variability in the accumulation of MDA which indicate the variability of inter and intra specific responses. Nevertheless, the integrity of membrane lipids is little affected in both species and more in Atriplex halimus L.

Study of genetic polymorphism of some populations of Atriplex halimus.L by isoenzymatic markers

Atriplex halimus is a bush na ve to North Africa where it occurs abundantly. It spreads also along the Meditearnean coastal areas of Europe. This plant cons tutes a renewable richness and presents a great exibility against abiotic stress. An evalua on of its elemental and ecological use needs a determinism of the gene c pro le of its popula ons represen ng this species. In this context, a compara ve study of gene c polymorphism of six A. halimus representing different regions of Algeria : (Bechar, Ain Sefra, Mascara, Arzew, Mostaganem and Chle) was realized by the isoenzyma cs markers, which were represented by the esterases and phosphatases acids. This study show that the esterases are less polymorphes at the level of ecotypes stu- died. We no ced three isoesterases in Bechar, Ain Sefra, Mascara, Arzew and Mostaganem and an addi onal one that characterized Chle ’s ecotype and show its gene c diversity. The phosphatases acids demonstated also a weak interspeci c variability. However, it was signi cant with characteris c Chle ’s ecotype than others. The zymogram of acid phosphatases revealed the presence of 5 alleles coded by the same locus for the Bechar Ain Sefra, Mascara, Arzew and Mostaganem ecotypes and 4 alleles for the Chle eco- type.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY–MASS SPECTROMETRY STUDIES OF ALGERIAN ATRIPLEX HALIMUS L.

Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the antibacterial efficacy and identify the main constituents of the essential oil of Atriplex halimus from southwest of Algeria.
 Methods: The essential oil from the aerial parts of the endemic plant A. halimus (saltbush in English, qataf in Arabic) collected from the region of Sahara southwest of Algeria was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Antibacterial potency of essential oil from this plant has been tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC11778) by disk diffusion assay.
 Results: The essential oil revealed the presence of 14 components, the dominant compounds arecadina-1(10), 4-diene (10.69%), germacrene D (9.79%), octane (9.37%), pelargonaldehyde (9.06%), 3-Furancarboxaldehyde (6.87%), β-pinene (2.6%), camphene (2.59%), and myrcene (2.10%). The essential oil exhibits very effective antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion assay method with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.82 μl/ml to 2.4525 μl/ml.
 Conclusions: This result showed that this native plant may be a good candidate for further biological and pharmacological investigations.

BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIA

Ponte Academic JournalNov 2020, Volume 76, Issue 11 BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIAAuthor(s): Senni Rachida ,De Belair Gerard, Abdelkrim HaceneJ. Ponte - Nov 2020 - Volume 76 - Issue 11 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.11.13 Abstract:Description of the subject: The study of the vegetal diversity of the wetlands of Zahrez Gharbi, Zahrez chergui, by subjective sampling and location of vegetation survey stations has made it possible to better understand this concept. Objective: In this study, the halophilic flora is the subject of a particular comment given the importance of salty environments that deserve attention because they represent a legacy of heritage interest and a camel grazing much sought after. Methods: For the characterization of the vegetation units, the phytoecological method has been chosen and will make it possible to evaluate the floristic diversity by analyzing the chorological and biological spectra to which the different inventoried units and species relate.The analysis of the vegetation involves first a floristic inventory followed by an exploitation of the floristic records. We carried out floristic surveys during the field campaigns from 2003 to 2012.The selection of the surveys is based on subjective sampling that takes into account the structure of the vegetation. Results:The statistical analysis by correspondence analysis under Statistica (6) for a data matrix of 170 surveys and 130 species shows three sets. The eigenvalues range from 0.203 to 0.387 and the inertia rates from 3.488 to 6.068%.The contribution of the first five axes to the inertia of the point cloud is 33,944, the characterization of the groupings specified that the group 1 is characterized by the surveys carried out in the sandy soils according to the factorial plane 1-2 represented by the dominance of Thymelea microphylla, Stipa tenacissima, with a dominant northern exposure with an average vegetation cover of 30%. Group 2 collects the surveys carried out on the salty soils with north-west exposure; it is the vegetation specific to the chott, grouping of Hyperhalophils with Halocnemum strobilaceum, Arthrocnemum indicum, presenting a medium recovery of vegetation of 20%. Group 3 includes salty soil surveys with southern exposure. This is the grouping of halophiles on hydromorphic soils at Juncusmaritimus. It is represented by Spergularia salina, Peganum harmala, Bellis annua, Arthrophytum scoparium, Atriplex halimus, with a recovery of 32%. The Shannon index (H ') and regularity (R) are respectively of the order of 2.05 and 0.33. This shows that individuals are distributed in a heterogeneous way. As for the regularity, it is 0.33, lower than the average. The rate of Cham�phytes observed in groups 1 and 3 remains slightly high with a respective percentage of 31.49% and 32.82%. Therophytes are dominant in groups 1 and 2.The analysis of this biological diversity underlined the role of annual species within these formations, in particular (Th�rophytes 39%). For the chorological level, the Mediterranean held the first place with (42%), followed by the Saharo-Arabique region (20%), and the multi-regional (12%). Conclusion: The results of this study explain the interpretation of the vegetation by the relevance factors that permitted to define the affinities between the different groups, the impact of anthropic action was widely expressed by degradation and rapid substitution of the rug vegetal species. Future prospects: These species deserve special attention, they represent a heritage, they need protection and preservation of their habitat, if no conservation measures are taken, we can help a beginning of substitution of some species by others, or their final disappearance and this will lead to desertification. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

Phytochemical Screening, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-oxidant Activities of some Aerial parts extracts in Atriplex halimus L., from Ouargla (Algeria)

Phytochemical Screening, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-oxidant Activities of some Aerial parts extracts in Atriplex halimus L., from Ouargla (Algeria)

Anatomical Study of Atriplex halimus L. (Guettaf) Growing under the Climatic Conditions of Biskra - Algeria

Atriplex halimus L. Known as “Guettaf” (Amaranthaceae) is used in traditional medicine in Algeria to treat several diseases among them rheumatism and fever. The aim of this work was to study the anatomy of the Atriplex halimus L., growing under the climatic conditions of Biskra (north-east of Algeria). Atriplex halimus L., stem, leaf and root were harvested during the month of January (2019). Microscopic observation of the different organs revealed that the anatomy of this plant contains many more characters of xerophytism as the presence of thick cuticle, trichomes, perivascular sheath and much more hydrophilic cellulosic tissues (parenchyma and collenchymas) than hydrophobic lignified tissues, We can deduce that Atriplex halimus L., requires a high humidity which explains the great growth of this species under the climatic conditions of the region of Biskra.

Seasonal variations effect on antioxidant compounds and their role in the adaptation of some halophytes at Wadi Gharandal, Southwest Sinai

The impact of seasonal variations on lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and contents of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, ascorbic acid content, proline content, glycine betaine content and total phenols content were assessed in seven halophytic representative species, viz., the shoot system of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb., Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) K. Koch, Suaeda vermiculata Forssk. ex J. F. Gmel., Atriplex halimus L., Zygophyllum album L., Tammarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge, and Limonium pruinosum (L.) Chaz. Lipid peroxidation and glycine-betaine increased in summer, while chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoid decreased in all the species studied. During winter, the ascorbic acid content increased in all species, except in L. pruinosum, while total phenols content increased during summer except in Z. album. Positive correlations were recorded among carotenoids with chl. a, chl. b, ascorbic acid, proline and total phenols and also proline content with total phenols in the first four species belongs to Amaranthaceae. These results indicate that glycine betaine biosynthesis play a pivotal role in diluting the oxidative damage result in abiotic stress, especially in Amaranthaceae.

A new singular species of Croscherichia Pardo Alcaide, 1950 (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Mylabrini) from arid zones of eastern Morocco.

A new species of blister beetle (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Mylabrini), Croscherichia armass Ruiz, François & García-París, sp. nov., is described from the arid steppes of eastern Morocco (Missour, Boulemane Province). The new species presents traits shared with both Croscherichia and desert species of the genus Ammabris, making it morphologically singular. Conspicuous external similarities (coloration pattern, shape of the mandibles, setation) between C. armasssp. nov. and Ammabris allow the two to be easily confused. However, C. armasssp. nov. can be readily distinguished from all other Croscherichia species by the following traits: reddish-orange legs with dark tarsi; relatively short black antennae with the proximal-most three to four antennomeres of each antenna having a reddish-brown coloration; dense and silvery body setation that lies over most of the body integument; straight and pointed outer mandible margins that protrude from the labrum; a mesosternum with an angulate anterior margin; a short, subcylindrical, and weakly spatulate external metatibial spur that is truncated obliquely at the apex. Croscherichia armasssp. nov. is only known from three localities in the arid Hammada steppes, which are located within the Quaternary alluvial plains of the Muluya river valley. Live specimens of C. armasssp. nov. were found in flight and actively feeding on Atriplex halimus (Chenopodiaceae) flowers at the end of summer (mid-September). The phenology of C. armasssp. nov. is exceptional as no other Mylabrini species known from eastern areas of Morocco are active in late summer.

Availability of copper in mine tailings with humic substance addition and uptake by Atriplex halimus.

The chemical characteristics of mine tailings, organic amendments (doses), and plants are the critical factors that must be evaluated and monitored to ensure the sustainability of phytostabilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mobility of copper (Cu) in mine tailings (MT) of the Zone Central of Chile to which commercial humic substances were added, examining their effect on the uptake of Atriplex halimus. Two commercial humic substances (HS1 and HS2) extracted from leonardite (highly oxidized lignite), of different pH and total organic carbon, were evaluated by adsorption curve for Cu. In columns, soluble Cu, pH, and electrical conductivity in leachates were evaluated for MT, MT + HS1, and MT + HS2, and HS1 and HS2 in doses of 120 mg kg-1. In pot assay, seeds were germinated directly in MT and cultivated for 140 days with the addition of HS2 in 120 and 240 mg kg-1. Mine tailing presents high concentration of Cu (2016 ± 223 mg kg-1, pH 6.3 ± 0.1). The results of sequential extraction indicate that Cu is associated with the sulfide fraction of low risk of mobility. The amount of Cu sorbed by HS1 was higher than that sorbed by HS2, and both humic substances showing better fit to the Freundlich than Langmuir model. Lixiviation of Cu was significantly lower in MT + HS1 (0.166 ± 0.043 mg kg-1) and MT + HS2 (0.157 ± 0.018 mg kg-1) than in MT (0.251 ± 0.052 mg kg-1). Copper concentration in plants reached 185.8 ± 37.8 mg kg-1 in the roots and 32.6 ± 7.4 mg kg-1 in the aerial parts cultivated in MT without effect of the humic substance addition in Cu uptake nor growth. Copper concentrations in the aerial parts were adjusted to sufficient or normal levels in plant. A good management of mine tailings through phytostabilization could consider an adequate mixture of humic substances (to avoid leaching of metals) and an organic amendment that provides essential nutrients and increases biomass generation.

Internal transcribed spacer sequences analysis of genetic variation among and within populations of Atriplex halimus from different bioclimatic zones in Morocco

The genetic diversity of 12 Atriplex halimus L. populations collected throughout its natural range in Morocco has been studied by using sequences of nrDNA ITS region. Within-population genetic diversity was high in comparison to others species with similar life histories and ecological traits. Most of genetic variation detected by AMOVA resided within populations (94%), relative to the amount of variation among populations (6%). The level of populations differentiation (FST = 0.06) was low, which corresponds with the high level of gene flow (4.00) revealed between populations. Differentiation among ecological groups of populations accounted only for 1.23% of the total ITS variation, which indicates that climatic conditions did not have an effect of population's structuration or that this differentiation is obviously not related to ITS markers. Furthermore, very low genetic differentiation (FCT = 0.015) was observed between regions (Moroccan populations versus American population). Strangely enough, geographic distances were not correlated to genetic differentiation between the populations (r = 0.06, P = 0.5). The structuration of populations in five groups was not operated according to their bioclimatic type. The data obtained in this assay could play a crucial role to establish efficient strategies for genetic resources conservation and to work out the scheme of breeding programs of Atriplex.

Ethnoveterinary remedies used in the Algerian steppe: Exploring the relationship with traditional human herbal medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEthnoveterinary medicine is vastly under-documented, especially in North Africa, where livestock care is increasingly medicalised. Despite evidence of the interdependence of ethnoveterinary practices and ethnomedicine for human care, the overlap between these two systems and the possible drivers of similarity are rarely addressed in ethnopharmacological literature. Here, we present the first quantitative comparison of remedies used to treat human and animal health among a pastoral society. AimsThis study aims to document the plants and other materials used in ethnoveterinary medicine among nomadic herders in the Algerian steppe. We calculate the overlap with remedies used for human health and evaluate some of the possible drivers of similarities between the two interlinked medical systems. MethodsThe field study was conducted in spring 2018 with 201 local knowledge holders in five provinces in the central part of the Algerian steppe. Forty-six camps and ten weekly animal markets were visited. After obtaining prior informed consent, data was collected through structured interviews. Anonymous sociodemographic information was collected along with veterinary use data. Plant specimens were acquired, identified and deposited in the Botanical Laboratory Herbarium of the University of Tiaret. Ethnobotanical information was structured in use reports and therapeutic applications organised into 13 simple categories. Plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine were compared to those used in human health care using a Chi square test, and ethnoveterinary use was predicted using a generalised linear model with use for human care and plant family as predictive variables. Logistic regressions were also used to test if any specific medicinal application predicts shared use in human and veterinary medicine. ResultsSixty-six plant species from 32 botanical families and ten non-vegetable remedies were documented. Plants from the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Apiaceae families were most commonly used. The plants most often cited by interviewees are all harvested from the wild (Echinops spinosissimus Turra, Atriplex halimus L., Artemisia campestris L., Juniperus phoenicea L. and Peganum harmala L.). Leaves are the most commonly used plant part and decoction is the most common preparation method. There are important similarities between remedies used to treat humans and other animals: two thirds of the remedies used in ethnoveterinary medicine are also used in human health care, and these represent half of the human health treatments. Use for human health and plant family both predict the use of a medicinal plant in veterinary medicine, but no correlation is found regarding specific therapeutic applications. ConclusionsTraditional veterinary knowledge is still key to sheep and goat herders in the Algerian steppe, but a knowledge transmission gap seems to exist between older and younger generations, and ethnoveterinary practices may disappear in the near future. Treatments for human and animal care overlap to a large extent, and a causal relationship possibly exists for, at least, some of them. However, overall a smaller number of remedies are used to treat animals than humans and for less therapeutic applications. This difference in the diversity of therapeutic applications and remedies should be the object of future research.

Salt Effect on Biochemical Behavior Fodder Halophytes

Atriplex halimus L., endemic to the Mediterranean region and Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. endemic to the American regions introduced in Algeria are two halophytes of semi-arid to arid regions. Salinity tolerance to NaCl (100, 300 and 600 mM.l-1) of Oran population of halimus L. and El Bayadh population of canescens (Pursh) Nutt. is analyzed. The parameters studied are Na++, K+, Ca++, Mg++ and Cl- . These are studied using two t methods (flame spectrophotometry and microanalysis EDX). In response to NaCl stress, the contents of Ca++ and K+ decrease. However, at low salt concentrations, Ca++ accumulates in the stems and leaves of halimus L. and only in the plant roots of canescens (Pursh) Nutt.. However, the leaves become less and less rich in K+, Mg++ under all salinity treatments in all organs of both species. Na+ accumulates in large amounts in the leaves. However, this accumulation slows down under the effect of salt beyond 300 mM.l-1 in canescens (Pursh) Nutt. while the load in this cation increases in the stems and roots. Therefore, halimus L. is one halophyte of "includer" type whereas canescens (Pursh) Nutt. is "includer" one at concentrations low or equal to 300 mM.l-1. But at 600 mM.l-1, the plant changes to become an"excluder" halophyte. This change in the type can be a way to avoid the harmful effects of stress resulting from ionic salt stress in this species. On the other hand, microanalysis (EDX) shows that the Ca++ and Na+ are two essential elements of halimus L. roots and that only Ca++ is for canescens (Pursh) Nutt.. At the level of leaves, Na+ and Cl- essentially characterize halimus L. However, for plants of canescens (Pursh) Nutt., K+ and Cl- are dominant. Na+ then represents the specific component of the roots and leaves of halimus L. and K+ represents the specific element of canescens (Pursh) Nutt. leaves.

In vitro screening of Algerian steppe browse plants for digestibility, rumen fermentation profile and methane mitigation

The aim of this study was to screen the nutritive value and the effects of anti-nutritional secondary compounds (condensed tannins) on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane mitigation of Algerian steppe browse species: Albizia julibrissin (pods), Acacia nilotica (pods), Punica granatum (leaves and pericarp), Vicia faba (leaves), Artemisia herba-alba (aerial part), Attriplex halimus (leaves) and Calligonum azel (bark). Chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility, and rumen fermentation kinetics and end-products accumulation in batch cultures were determined. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a tannin binding agent was used to measure the biological activity of tannins. Protein content was high for A. julibrissin and V. faba and low for the pericarp of P. granatum and bark of C. azel. The highest concentrations of total extractable phenols and tannins were observed in P. granatum, whereas A. halimus showed the lowest concentrations. A. nilotica, C. azel and A. julibrissin showed the highest and A. halimus and A. herba-alba the lowest total condensed tannin contents. Vicia faba was the most digestible forage. All the browse species used in the current study, with the exception of C. azel bark, can be used as alternative feedstuffs for ruminant nutrition. The most promising forage in terms of reduced methane emissions is Atriplex halimus foliage, because the decreased methane production is not associated to a reduced rumen degradation and fermentation of this forage in the rumen. However, in vivo studies are warranted to confirm its potential to be included in ruminant diets.

Spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) and saltbush (Atriplex halimus L.) as feed supplements for fattening Awassi male lambs: effect on digestibility, water consumption, blood metabolites, and growth performance

The effect of replacing 13.6% and 20.3% of a total ration of fattening Awassi lambs by two combinations of fresh saltbush (Atriplex halimus) and fresh spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes at a ratio of 1.9:1 (TRT1) and 1.7:1 (TRT2) on water intake, digestibility, blood metabolites, and fattening performance was evaluated. Thirty-six lambs with average initial live weight 34.5 ± 4.18 kg were randomly assigned to three diets (control, TRT1, and TRT2). The control received a diet containing 166 g/kg barley straw and 834 g/kg of commercial concentrate mixture; TRT1 comprised 126 g barley straw, 739 g/kg concentrate mixture, 47 g/kg spineless cactus, and 89 g saltbush; TRT2 comprised 67 g/kg barley straw, 704 g/kg commercial concentrate mixture, 86 g/kg spineless cactus, and 144 g saltbush. A growth trial of 100 days (10 days of adaptation and 90 days of collection) followed by a metabolism trial of 17 days (10 days of adaptation and 7 days of a total feces and urine collection) was carried out. Daily dry matter intake, digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and nutrient detergent fiber, nitrogen balance, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and blood metabolites were not significantly affected by the treatment. Water consumption in TRT2 was significantly 16% less compared with the control. A combination of saltbush and spineless cactus at a ratio of 1.7:1 (TRT2) replaced 60% of barley straw and 16% of concentrate mixture without adverse effects on health and growth performance of Awassi male lambs. This represents a potential reduction in feed costs for smallholder farmers.