Kochia Indica Research Articles

Nutritive Values of Some Wetland Plants in the Deltaic Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

THIS STUDY aims to investigate the nutritive values of some wildplants in the coastal Deltaic Mediterranean wetlands of Egypt forsustainable uses and management; these are: Arthrocnemummacrostachyum (Moric) Koch, Atriplex portulacoides L., Bassia indica(Weight) A. J. Scott, Chenopodium album L., Halocnemum strobilaceum(Pall.) M. Bieb (Chenopodiaceae) , Amaranthus hybridus L(Amaranthaceae), Portulaca oleracea L.(Portulacaceae), Bolboschoenusglaucus L.(Cyperaceae) , Sesbania sesban L. (Fabaceae ) and PlucheaDioscorides (L.) DC. (Asteraceae) as their over growth and dominationcause many serious environmental problems, So it is urgent to suggestthe possible economic uses of these plants as a tool in sustainablemanagement. The mean values of the physicochemical characteristics ofsoil samples collected underneath the studied species were carried out tobe considered during cultivation of these plants. The determination oflipid, crude protein, total phosphorus, total carbohydrates, crude fiber, ashcontent and dry weight, as well as Na+, K+ and Ca+ cations in the drymater showed noteable variation among the studied species. The highestmean carbohydrates content was recorded in P. oleracea and A. hybriduswith values of 211.3 and 291 mg/g dry wt. , respectively. The relativelyhigh contents of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in some selected plantspecies qualify them as suitable candidates to be used as animal feedstalk and natural organic fertilizers with safe manner. The high contentsof Na+, K+ and Ca+ ions in the studied plants make them also as a goodsource of mineral salts in food formulas, and as a tool for desalinization inthe salt affected lands in the coastal Egyptian wetland habitats.

THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND TOXICITY OF TWO BIOINSECTICIDES AND FOUR BOTANICAL EXTRACTS AGAINST COTTON LEAFWORM, SPODOPTERA LITTORALIS (BOISDVAL) NOCTUIDAE: LEPIDOPTERA

The biological effects and toxicity of two microbial insecticides derived from Bacillus thuringiensis Berhiner (MVPa and MVPc) and four botanical extracts (Kochia indica, Curcuma zedoaria, Zygophyllum simplex and Sorghum bicolor) were studied on 6th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. The bioinsecticide MVPc and the botanical extract Z. simplex were the most toxic agents of all tested materials. Larval mortality percentages and that of larvae which failed to pupate increased by increasing concentrations. In addition, pupation percentages and emerged adults increased by increasing concentrations of the tested treatments. Morphological deformities were increased by increasing concentrations, which was observed in the stages of pupae and adults produced from the survived treated larvae.

Role of calcium in AMF-mediated alleviation of the adverse impacts of cadmium stress in Bassia indica [Wight] A.J. Scott.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cadmium stress induced changes in the growth, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity of Bassia indica associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their amelioration by calcium application. Cadmium stress can cause alterations in the physiological and biochemical processes in plants. A calcium application combined with an AMF treatment resulted in the reduction of lipid peroxidation and the production of hydrogen peroxide, thereby mediating the mitigation of cadmium induced oxidative stress. The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased with cadmium application, whereas AMF inoculation combined with a calcium application further enhanced their activity. An increase in the content of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbate, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in AMF-inoculated and calcium-treated plants further suggests their role in strengthening the antioxidant defense system that results in maintained growth. The application of calcium combined with the AMF treatment caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation and in the production of hydrogen peroxide, thereby mediating the mitigation of the cadmium induced oxidative stress. Increased proline accumulation was clearly evident in stressed plants, and the calcium application as well as the AMF inoculation further induced proline synthesis, thereby providing efficient protection against cadmium stress by increasing the maintenance of the systemic resistance criteria.

Bioaccumulation and translocation of heavy metals by nine native plant species grown at a sewage sludge dump site

ABSTRACTIn the present study, nine native plant species were collected to determine their potential to clean up nine heavy metals from soil of a sewage sludge dump site. Almost all nine plant species grown at sewage sludge dump site showed multifold higher concentrations of heavy metals as compared to plants grown at the reference site. All the investigated species were characterized by a bioaccumulation factor (BF) > 1.0 for some heavy metals. BF was generally higher for Cd, followed by Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn, and Fe. The translocation factor (TF) varied among plant species, and among heavy metals. For most studied heavy metals, TFs were <1.0. The present study proved that the concentrations of all heavy metals (except Cd, Co, and Pb) in most studied species were positively correlated with those in soil. Such correlations indicate that these species reflect the cumulative effects of environmental pollution from soil, and thereby suggesting their potential use in the biomonitoring of most heavy metals examined. In conclusion, all tissues of nine plant species could act as bioindicators, biomonitors, and remediates of most examined heavy metals. Moreover, Bassia indica, Solanum nigrum, and Pluchea dioscoridis are considered hyperaccumulators of Fe; Amaranthus viridis and Bassia indica are considered hyperaccumulators of Pb; and Portulaca oleracea is considered hyperaccumulator of Mn.

Effect of Kochia (Kochia indica) Plant Density on Yield and Some Physiological Characteristics of Sorghum under Salinity Stress

Effect of Kochia (Kochia indica) Plant Density on Yield and Some Physiological Characteristics of Sorghum under Salinity Stress

Insights into root structure and function of Bassia indica: water redistribution and element dispersion.

In the last few decades, research has increasingly been aimed at clarifying how root system architecture, physiology and function are related to environmental drivers. 'Negative halotropism' has been defined as the alteration of root growth direction to avoid salinity. We suggested that 'positive halotropism' may be found in halophytes relying on salinity for optimal growth. Investigating root structure of the halophyte Bassia indica (Wight) A. J. Scott, we have shown that positive halotropism can explain the growth of horizontal roots towards optimal salt concentrations along a soil salinity gradient. Here we tested three hypotheses. First, that development of B. indica roots depends on a trade-off between optimal nutrient supply and saline concentrations: results of split-root-experiment showed a preference for sand enriched with nutrients and poor in salts. Second, that shallow horizontal roots enable B. indica to forage for nutrient-rich patches. Results demonstrated that bulk elemental analysis was not consistent with tissue-specific elemental analysis, and this can be explained by substantial variability of element composition of particular root segments. Third, we hypothesised that B. indica redistributes water horizontally through shallow horizontal roots. Results showed that back flow of water from the tap root towards tip root was possible in horizontal roots in saline microenvironment.

COMPOSITIONAL PROPERTIES OF THREE FRESHWATER CARP SPECIES GROWN IN BRACKISH WATER

Three freshwater fish species viz. Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Gibelion catla, grown in brackish water ponds were analyzed for compositional properties to assess the potential of this habitat to produce nutritionally adequate fish for human consumption. Overall, the unsaturated fatty acids were lower in L. rohita (46.6%) than saturated fatty acids; while in C. mrigala and G. catla, the unsaturated fatty acids were 50.4% and 58.2%, respectively. The most abundant saturated fatty acid in examined species was palmitic acid (C16:0), 23.7 to 34.1%; mono-unsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1) 19.6 to 31.7% and poly-unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid (C18:2) 9.46 to 13.3%. A reasonable amount of essential fatty acids ω-3 (5.80 to 9.26%) and ω-6 (9.46 to 13.3%) was also found in these species while growing in brackish water on salt tolerant forages like Leptochloa fusca, Brachiaria mutica and Kochia indica as supplemental feed. The ω-3/ω-6 ratio was calculated as 0.46, 0.80 and 0.69 in L. rohita, C. mrigala and G. catla, respectively. The maximum EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, C20:5) was observed in C. mrigala (2.23%), followed by G. catla (1.62%) and L. rohita (0.98%). While the DHA (docosahexanenoic acids, C22:6) was found maximum in G. catla (1.97%) and minimum in C. mrigala (0.95%). The results of body composition indicated that L. rohita found maximum protein contents (19.2%) with minimum total fats (1.28%) while C. mrigala found maximum total fats (2.11%) but minimum protein contents (18.3%). Overall results indicated that the Indian carps grown in brackish water have comparable chemical composition and nutritive value with the same species grown in freshwater medium.

Salt uptake and evapotranspiration under arid conditions in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland planted with halophytes

The use of halophytes in constructed wetlands (CWs) for phytodesalination has been recently suggested as a strategy for dealing with excess salt, which causes land degradation and has detrimental effects on agricultural productivity. Salinity in drylands is enhanced by strong solar radiation and increased evapotranspiration, and poses additional challenges for decentralized water-treatment systems such as CWs. We tested the potential use of a horizontal subsurface flow CW (HSSF CW) planted with the halophyte Bassia indica to polish treated municipal wastewater quality and reduce salinity, using a pilot system containing eight flow cells. The system was operated under continuous flow of synthetic, secondary level-treated wastewater at a rate of 480–660ml/h, which resulted in a retention time of approximately 2 days. Water fluxes, and nutrient and salt concentrations in the water were measured and compared to those in flow cells without plants. Plant height was measured periodically and biomass and salt concentrations were recorded at harvest. Removal of biological oxygen demand, and reduction in fecal coliforms and turbidity were evident and similar in planted and non-planted cells. Significant salt uptake was measured in the planted cells, with the amount of Na+ uptake directly related to plant biomass; however, the overall salinity of the treated wastewater increased despite salt uptake by B. indica due to enhanced evapotranspiration. This study reaffirms the notion that halophytes in CWs have the potential capacity for direct uptake of salts. Nevertheless, efficient salt phytoremediation in arid and semi-arid climates will require specific application of plants and relatively short hydraulic residence time to minimize evapotranspiration.

مطالعه سرعت سبز شدن، قابلیت استقرار و عملکرد تعدادی از گونه های شورپسند در شرایط شور

وسعت و پراکنش اراضی شور در کشور، کمبود منابع آبی متعارف و استعداد گیاهان شورپسند در تولید علوفه موجب شده است تا این گیاهان برای جبران بخشی از کمبود علوفه مورد توجه قرار گیرند. این تحقیق به منظور معرفی گیاهان شورپسند جهت تولید علوفه درگلخانه مرکز ملی تحقیقات شوری و عرصه ­های شور ایستگاه تحقیقات شوری چاه افضل یزد بر روی 14گونه شورپسند انجام گرفت. در این تحقیق، گونه ­های مورد نظر در گلخانه تکثیر شده و سرعت و درصد سبز شدن بذور آنها مورد مطالعه قرار گرفت. گونه­ هایی که سبزشدن بالایی داشتند برای آزمایش­های بعدی انتخاب گردیده و در زمین اصلی نشاء­های دو ماهه با فواصل 1/5 متر در قالب طرح بلوک­های کامل تصادفی در سه تکرارکشت ‌شده و با آب دارای شوری 8 دسی زیمنس بر متر آبیاری شدند. پس از 6 ماه گیاهان برداشت شده و میزان استقرار، عملکرد و اجزای عملکرد علوفه مورد مقایسه قرار گرفت. نتایج نشان داد گونه Kochia indicaبیشترین مقدار عملکرد علوفه تر و خشک (به ترتیب 15/5 و 6/9 تن در هکتار) را تولید کرد. همچنین، این گونه بالاترین مقدار سبز شدن بذور (100%) و بیشترین مقدار سرعت سبز شدن (5/5 عدد در روز) را دارا بود. پس از آن گونه Atriplex halimus بالاترین مقدار عملکرد (9/7 تن در هکتار علوفه تر و 3/5 تن در هکتار علوفه خشک) و نیز بالاترین میزان سبز شدن (95%) و سرعت سبز شدن (4/83 عدد در روز) را به خود اختصاص داد. بنابراین، گونه­ های K. indica و A. halimus دارای برتری بوده و کاشت آنها بهعنوان گونه­ های شورپسند برتر برای تولید علوفه و احیاء مراتع در مناطق شور پیشنهاد می گردد.

Role of Plants in a Constructed Wetland: Current and New Perspectives

The role of plants in the treatment of effluents by constructed wetland (CW) systems is under debate. Here, we review ways in which plants can affect CW processes and suggest two novel functions for plants in CWs. The first is salt phytoremediation by halophytes. We have strong evidence that halophytic plants can reduce wastewater salinity by accumulating salts in their tissues. Our studies have shown that Bassia indica, a halophytic annual, is capable of salt phytoremediation, accumulating sodium to up to 10% of its dry weight. The second novel use of plants in CWs is as phytoindicators of water quality. We demonstrate that accumulation of H2O2, a marker for plant stress, is reduced in the in successive treatment stages, where water quality is improved. It is recommended that monitoring and management of CWs consider the potential of plants as phytoremediators and phytoindicators.

On the distribution and evaluation of Na, Mg and Cl in leaves of selected halophytes

Diverse physiological, biochemical and morphological adaptations enable plants to survive in extreme saline environments where osmotic and ionic stresses limit growth and development. Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants that can withstand extraordinarily high levels of Na and Cl in their leaves. The tissue and cellular distribution patterns of salt ions can be linked to the underlying mechanisms of salt tolerance. Application of fast, reliable, multi-elemental and quantitative techniques such as micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) will significantly contribute to and accelerate studies of plant salt tolerance, especially as micro-PIXE also provides spatially resolved quantitative data for light elements, such as Na and Mg. The spatial concentration distributions of Na, Mg, Cl, K, P and S in leaves of four halophytes (Bassia indica, Atriplex prostrata, Spartina maritima and Limonium angustifolium) were determined using micro-PIXE, to study the salt-tolerance strategies of the selected halophytes. Different distribution patterns of the studied elements were seen in the leaves; however, in all four of these plant species, Na was excluded from photosynthetically active chlorophyl tissues. With the exception of L. angustifolium, Cl, P and S contents (representing chloride, phosphate and sulphate ionic forms, respectively) did not ensure charge balance in the leaves, which suggests other anionic compounds, such as nitrate and organic anions, have crucial roles in maintaining electroneutrality in these halophytes. By increasing soil salinisation worldwide, the possibility to reliably complement spatial distributions of Na, Mg, Cl, K, P and S with plant structural morphology will contribute significantly to our understanding of plant tolerance mechanisms at the tissue and cell levels. In addition, these kinds of studies are of particular value for designing crop plants with high salt tolerance and for the development of phytoremediation technologies.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SHAMI KIDS FED A SALT TOLERANT PLANT UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS IN SINAI, EGYPT

SUMMARY This study aimed to investigate the effect of the using a salt tolerance plant (Koicha) as replacement to barseem hay in rations with different roughage: concentrate ratios for feeding Shami kids. The study was carried out (during 2009) at South Sinai. Twenty four male Shami kids (about six months old and 25 kg average live body weight) were employed. The kids were divided into three groups (eight each) to study the effect of replacing barseem hay with Kochia indica within different roughage: concentrate ratio. The three groups (G) were assigned to feed the following rations, 40% barseem hay: 60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) for G1, 40% Kochia: 60% CFM for G2 and 60% Kochia: 40% CFM for G3. Kochia was cultivated in salt-affected soil within the station and irrigated with underground salt water (about 6000 ppm). The experiment lasted for four months. The rations were offered once a day at morning and water was free choice. Economic indicator was calculated as the return of kg gain according to the prevailing Egyptian local prices. The results showed that the highest value of DM intake was obtained for G2 during the first two months (828 g/h/d and 80 g / kg w 0.75 ). The average daily gain (ADG) values were 83, 117 and 67 g/h for G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The same trend was obtained during the second period. During the whole period (four months), ADG in G2 of (125 g/h/d) was higher (P < 0.05) than those of G1 and G3 of 92 and 75 g/h/d, respectively. The final body weight of kids was higher (P<0.05) in G2 (40 Kg) than those of G1 and G3 (36 and 34 kg, respectively). The nutritive values in G2, measured as TDN and DCP were higher (P<0.05) (68.1 and 10.3, respectively) than those of G1 (64.3 and 9.9, respectively). Feed conversion of both DM and TDN in G2 (14.42 and 9.76, respectively) were better than those in G3 (17.10 and 10.50, respectively). Feed cost and economic indicator showed that kids in G2 had the highest feed cost and the highest return. It conclusion feeding Shami kids on 40% koicha and 60% CFM has no adverse effect on ADG and tended to gain higher economic return.

The use of Bassia indica for salt phytoremediation in constructed wetlands

The treatment and reuse of wastewater in constructed wetlands offers a low-cost, environmentally-friendly alternative for common engineered systems. Salinity in treated wastewater is often increased, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, and may harm crops irrigated from wetlands. We have strong evidence that halophyte plants are able to reduce the salinity of wastewater by accumulating salts in their tissues. Bassia indica is an annual halophyte with unique adaptations for salt tolerance. We performed three experiments to evaluate the capability of B. indica for salt phytoremediation as follows: a hydroponic system with mixed salt solutions, a recirculated vertical flow constructed wetland (RVFCW) with domestic wastewater, and a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for treating goat farm effluents. B. Indica plants developed successfully in all three systems and reduced the effluent salinity by 20–60% in comparison with unplanted systems or systems planted with other wetland plants. Salinity reduction was attributed to the accumulation of salts, mainly Na and K, in the leaves. Our experiments were carried out on an operative scale, suggesting a novel treatment for green desalination in constructed wetlands by salt phytoremediation in desert regions and other ecosystems.

Ten years primary succession on a newly created landfill at a lagoon of the Mediterranean Sea (Lake Burullus RAMSAR site)

This study was carried out on the transported bed soil dredged from the outlet of Lake Burullus to the Mediterranean Sea and deposited nearby, forming by this way new land that underwent a primary plant succession. The multi-methodological approach comprised floristic inventories, vegetation sampling and soil composition analyses of the study site in order to detect the crucial parameters controlling the plant resettlement on recently deposited soil as related to time, local micro-topography and substrate characteristics. Floristic composition was assessed for the first 10 years of primary succession (2001–2010) on 18 stands of the area, distributed on basement, slope stands and plateau of the landfill, respectively. Vegetation surveys were the basis of multivariate analyses of the vegetation and soil data using TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA. Relationships between the edaphic gradients, floristic composition and species diversity were assessed.Forty-one species were identified (22 annuals and 19 perennials) after ten years development compared with 7 species at the first year. After application of TWINSPAN and DCA on the data of the first year of establishment, two simple vegetation groups were recognized and named after their dominant species, Senecio glaucus and Bassia indica. In comparison, the multivariate analysis of the last year (i.e. after 10 years of succession) led to identify 4 more advanced vegetation groups: Senecio glaucus–Cakile maritima–Zygophyllum album, Bassia indica–Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Phragmites australis–Limbarda crithmoides. These plant communities are comparable to the other communities in the same region, showing the tendency to establish the climax vegetation of Mediterranean coastal areas. The notable edaphic variables that affect the succession of the vegetation groups in the study area were moisture, salinity, organic matter, minerals (Ca, Na, K, Cl, SO4), soil texture and human disturbance.

Root halotropism: Salinity effects on Bassia indica root

Plant roots are responsible for the acquisition of nutrients and water from the soil and have an important role in plant response to soil stress conditions. The direction of root growth is gravitropic in general. Gravitropic responses have been widely studied; however, studies about other root tropisms are scarce. Soil salinity is a major environmental response factor for plants, sensed by the roots and affecting the whole plant. Our observations on root architecture of Kochia (Bassia indica) indicated that salinity may cue tropism of part of the roots toward increasing salt concentrations. We termed this phenomenon “positive halotropism”. It was observed that Kochia individuals in the field developed horizontal roots, originating from the main tap root, which was growing toward saline regions in the soil. Under controlled conditions in greenhouse experiments, Kochia plants were grown in pots with artificial soil salinity gradients, achieved by irrigation with saline and fresh water. It was shown that plants grown in low‐salt areas developed a major horizontal root toward the higher salt concentration region in the gradient. In regions of high salinity and in the absence of a salinity gradient, roots grew vertically without a major horizontal root. The novel finding of “positive halotropism” is discussed.

In vitro rumen fermentation kinetics and nutritional evaluation of Kochia indica as affected by harvest time and cutting regimen

Branches of Kochia indica were hand-cut after 60, 90 and 120 days of planting (DAP) at 15 or 30 cm distance from the tip (cutting length). The plants were at a vegetative stage for 60 and 90 DAP, while, for 120 DAP, they were at flowering stage. The nutritive value of the experimental plant samples was evaluated by determination of the crude protein (CP), buffer soluble nitrogen (BS-N), buffer soluble non-protein nitrogen (BS-NPN) and cell wall constituents (neutral-detergent fiber; aNDF, acid-detergent fiber; ADF and lignin (sa)). In vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), metabolizable energy (ME), microbial nitrogen (MN) and biomass (MBM) production were also estimated in the experimental samples after their incubation with rumen fluid for 96 h in the absence or presence of polyethylene glycol. The characteristics of fermentation (initial gas production; a, gas production during incubation; b, potential gas production; a + b, fractional rate of gas production; c) were assessed using an in vitro incubation technique with rumen fluid. There was a negative effect of harvest time on all the studied nutritive parameters and fermentation characteristics. The values of CP, BS-N, BS-NPN, MN and MBM declined and concentrations of aNDF, ADF and lignin (sa) increased between early harvest time after 60 DAP and late harvest time after 120 DAP and between cutting length at 15 cm and 30 cm ( P<0.05). IVDOM were positively correlated with BS-N and BS-NPN but negatively correlated with aNDF and ADF. Cutting treatments negatively affected all the studied nutritive parameters and fermentation rates. There were no differences in the values of IVDOM, ME, MN, MBM, fermentation characteristics and gas production over 96 h due to add of PEG ( P<0.05). The greatest proportion of gas production occurred between 6 and 24 h of incubation. C values were negatively correlated with cell wall constituents but positively correlated with CP, BS-N, BS-NPN, MN and MBM. The amount of MN produced from 100 mg substrate amounted to 1.9 or 1.4 mg at early maturity stage and 1.1 or 0.8 mg at late stage for cutting lengths performed at 15 or 30 cm, respectively. Microbial nitrogen and MBM production were negatively correlated with cell wall constituents and gas production but positively correlated with CP, BS-N and BS-NPN. Results revealed that, the harvested branches of K. indica at the vegetative stage were better in terms of nutritional value than those harvested at flowering stage.

Polyphenols content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of extracts of some wild plants collected from the south of Tunisia.

25 wild plants were collected from the south of Tunisia. The dried aerial parts were extracted under a continuous reflux set-up in a Soxhlet extractor with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. The extracts were screened for total phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Total phenolic contents were determined using a spectrophotometric technique, based on the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and calculated as pyrogallol equivalents (PyE) per 100 g of dry weight (dw). Total phenolic content ranged from traces to 2225 ± 267 mg PyE/100 g dw in Periploca angustifolia hexane extract and Erodium glaucophyllum methanol extract, respectively. Total flavonoids and flavonols were measured by a colorimetric assay and expressed as mg of rutin equivalents (RuE) per 100 g dw and mg of quercetin equivalents (QuE) per 100 g dw respectively. The highest amounts of flavonoids of 315 mg RuE/100 g dw and of flavonols of 63 mg QuE/100 g dw was recorded in the ethyl acetate extract of Acacia radiana. The antioxidant capacity of all extracts was evaluated with the (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH and 2,2'-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]) ABTS tests. Several extracts showed antioxidant capacity higher than (butylated hydroxytoluene) BHT. Different trend was observed for each antioxidant system with respect to solvents used. All tested plants showed antimicrobial activity, but this activity depended closely on the nature of the solvent used and of the microorganism tested. Rhanterium suaveolens ethyl acetate extract showed the largest spectre of antibacterial activity and Bassia indica ethyl acetate extract showed the highest antifungal activity. Interestingly, some of the collected plants had a high phenolic content and powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These plants may serve as sources of antioxidants with new chemotypes and potential beneficial health properties.

Variation in nutritional composition and growth performance of some halophytic species grown under saline conditions

Studies were conducted at the Biosaline Research Station-II of the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan to evaluate biomass production and nutritive value of some salt-tolerant grasses and bushes, i.e. Leptochloa fusca, Sporobolus arabicus (Poaceae), Suaeda fruticosa, Kochia indica and Atriplex lentiformis (Chenopodiaceae). The soil salinity of the experimental site ranged from 4.8 to 28.6 dS m−1 and had pH values of 7.82 to 8.92 and residual sodium carbonate of 21.6. The plants were irrigated with underground brackish water with electrical conductivity (EC) of 4.78 dS m−1 and pH 8.2. The plants were raised from root stocks in selected plots and adjacent naturally growing plants of these species of the same age were selected for purposes of comparison in terms of growth and nutritional value. When the plants were at a stage when they could be used for forage, samples were collected and tested for biomass, protein, total carbohydrates, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, P and total nitrogen. The results indicated that A. lentiformis produced the highest biomass followed by K. indica, L. fusca, S. arabicus and S. fruticosa. Plant yields were significantly higher in the experimental plots than under natural environmental conditions. The chemical analysis for protein and carbohydrates indicated that S. fruticosa contained the highest protein followed by K. indica, A. lentiformis, S. arabicus and L. fusca. On the other hand, the highest carbohydrate contents were recorded in S. arabicus, closely followed by L. fusca, with the lowest in A. lentiformis. Maximum Na+ was recorded in A. lentiformis, closely followed by S. fruticosa while the minimum was in S. arabicus grass. The highest K+ was contained in K. indica closely followed by A. lentiformis, while L. fusca contained the least. The highest levels of Ca2+ were recorded in A. lentiformis, followed by K. indica, S. fruticosa, L. fusca and S. arabicus. On the other hand, the highest Mg2+ was recorded in S. fruticosa and K. indica and the lowest in L. fusca with a similar trend for P. Total nitrogen was higher in S. fruticosa, followed by K. indica and A. lentiformis than in the other species.

Demography of Bassia indica in the Nile Delta region, Egypt

Summary The present paper studies the demography and growth strategy of the summer annual Bassia indica W ight (old synonym: Kochia indica W ight ) under habitat and experimental conditions in the Nile Delta region, Egypt. Its population in saline lands has smaller individual size, lower density and higher mortality of seedlings than those in other less saline habitats, which indicates that this plant is not a true halophyte. It has two peaks of mortality: that in April (mainly due to the heavy deaths of the seedlings and juveniles) and the second in September (associated with the end of its life cycle). Its canopy development, in terms of leaf and branch production, and the size variables of the whole individual (height, diameter and volume) are density-dependent. The individuals are bigger and have more leaves under low than under high density. Density affected also the pattern of leaf distribution, length and number of branches, and internode length.

TRITERPENOIDAL SAPONINS FROM KOCHIA INDICA WIGHT.

Seven oleanolic acid saponins (1-7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Kochia indica Wight. (Chenopodiaceae), of which saponins (4-7) are seco-glycosides containing acidic substituents at C-3 of glucuronic acid. Compounds (1-6) have been isolated for the first time from genus Kochia and compound (7) is first reported from family Chenopodiaceae. The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic methods and by comparison with previously reported data.