Nitraria Schoberi Research Articles

Variation of Elemental Composition of Leaves in Nitraria schoberi L. and N. sibirica Pall. Depending on Edaphic Growth Conditions

A study was conducted about the variation of levels of macro- and microelements in the soil and leaves of two species of the genus Nitraria L. in various habitats in Siberia. New data were obtained on the concentration variations of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Li, Sr, and Cd in leaves of N. schoberi L. and N. sibirica Pall. It was found that the salinity of habitats of N. sibirica (up to 3.23%) can exceed salinity of soils under N. schoberi (up to 0.5%) by more than sixfold. Soils of N. schoberi habitats are characterized by lower contents of carbonates (1.0–3.8%) and of physical clay (2–19%) as compared to soils of N. sibirica habitats: 1.2–18.2 and 9–40%, respectively. An increase in the physical-clay content of soil positively correlated with the accumulation of Mg, Cu (p ≤ 0.01), and Mn (p ≤ 0.001) in the plant leaves. The degree of soil salinity was positively associated with the accumulation of Ca, Zn, Sr (p ≤ 0.01), Mg (p ≤ 0.05), and Cd (p ≤ 0.001) in the leaves. An increase in concentration of mobile Na in soil positively correlated with concentrations of Ca, Cu (p ≤ 0.01), and Zn (p ≤ 0.001) in the leaves. In N. sibirica leaves, the concentration of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Sr, Mn, Zn, and Cu was 1.5–3 times higher than that in N. schoberi leaves. Both species are capable of accumulating very high concentrations of Na (N. schoberi: up to 83.8 g/kg and N. sibirica: up to 77.2 g/kg). In the leaves of N. schoberi plants of immature age, K and Na levels were seven times higher than those in leaves of adult generative plants, whereas Mg and Ca levels were 3–5 times higher. This study should expand the understanding of mechanisms of Nitraria species’ adaptation to high-salinity conditions.

Monitoring the temporal variations of plant stress using the air pollution tolerance index in the Sejzi industrial area (Isfahan, Iran).

The objective of this study was to screen air pollution-induced stress in some plant species in the Sejzi industrial region (Isfahan, Iran). An assessment of APTI and other physiological and biochemical features of significant species in the area was conducted across three seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. The physiological and biochemical factors of the following species were evaluated: Limonium persicum, Atriplex lentiformis, Nitraria schoberi, Haloxylon persicum, Tamarix hispida, Zygophyllum atriplicoides, Karelinia caspica, and Prosopis farcta. The physiological factors assessed included acidity and relative humidity content, while the biochemical factors assessed included proline, sugar, ascorbic acid, and total chlorophyll. Subsequently, a thorough evaluation was carried out on the species under investigation to ascertain their biomonitors' capabilities and APTI. The study findings indicated that the species P. farcta, N. schoberi, and K. caspica consistently had high APTI values during the spring, autumn, and summer seasons, classifying them as tolerant plant species. Conversely, the observed traits showed significant fluctuations across the seasons. The investigation's findings indicate that the species L. persicum, N. schoberi, and K. caspica exhibit higher annual averages of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid compared to other species. The examination of the annual variation in the tolerance levels of plant species to pollution ranked from highest to lowest was as follows: N. schoberi, P. farcta, K. caspica, Z. atriplicoides, H. persicum, T. hispida, L. persicum, and A. lentiformis. Moreover, based on the annual average, the primary determinants that impact the APTI in the species being studied include ascorbic acid (35%), leaf acidity (19%), total chlorophyll content (35%), and relative humidity content (69%). Furthermore, a distinct and significant correlation was found between proline and sugar levels and the annual APTI values. Additionally, the species P. farcta had the highest API compared to other species. The study revealed the high potential of some plant species against air pollution induced stress which can be used in air and dust pollution management in the region.

The importance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to increase air pollution tolerance index (APTI) in the plants of green belt to control dust hazards.

Dust causes adverse effects on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of plants and limits their use in the development of the green belt. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is an important tool to screen out plants, based on their tolerance or sensitivity level to different air pollutants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two plant growth-promoting bacterial strains (Zhihengliuella halotolerans SB and Bacillus pumilus HR) and their combination as a biological solution on APTI of three desert plant species of Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Haloxylon aphyllum and Nitraria schoberi under dust stress (0 and 1.5 g m-2 30 days-1). Dust caused a significant decrease of 21% and 19%, respectively, in the total chlorophyll of N. schoberi and S. rosmarinus, an 8% decrease in leaf relative water content, a 7% decrease in the APTI of N. schoberi, and a decrease of 26 and 17% in protein content of H. aphyllum and N. schoberi, respectively. However, Z. halotolerans SB increased the amount of total chlorophyll in H. aphyllum and S. rosmarinus by 236% and 21%, respectively, and the amount of ascorbic acid by 75% and 67% in H. aphyllum and N. schoberi, respectively. B. pumilus HR also increased the leaf relative water content in H. aphyllum and N. schoberi by 10% and 15%, respectively. The inoculation with B. pumilus HR, Z. halotolerans SB and the combination of these two isolates decreased the activity of peroxidase by 70%, 51%, and 36%, respectively, in N. schoberi, and 62%, 89%, and 25% in S. rosmarinus, respectively. These bacterial strains also increased the concentration of protein in all three desert plants. Under dust stress, H. aphyllum had a higher APTI than the other two species. Z. halotolerans SB, which had been isolated from S. rosmarinus, was more effective than B. pumilus HR in alleviating the effects of dust stress on this plant. Therefore, it was concluded that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can be effective at improving the mechanisms of plant tolerance to air pollution in the green belt.

Genetic Diversity in Marginal Populations of Nitraria schoberi L. from Romania

Nitraria schoberi L. (Nitrariaceae) is a halophytic plant with a continuous range in Central Asia and with only two populations in the westernmost distribution limit of species, in Romania. Currently, there is no documented explanation for the species’ presence in Europe, outside the main distribution area. Considering that marginal populations genetics are important in establishing range limits and species adaptative potential, genetic diversity was assessed using Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR). Both the Shannon’s Information Index (I) and Expected Heterozygosity (He) suggested a relatively low level of genetic diversity within the two populations. However, the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram and Principal Coordinates Analysis clearly distinguished the two populations. Our presumptions, based on current results, are that the marginal westernmost population of N. schoberi was established due to the unique conditions from the “islands of desert” developed in a temperate continental climate. The European establishment of this species was likely accidental and probably due to ornithochory. Genetic relatedness between populations could be a consequence of their common origin, presumably from proximal Asian N. schoberi populations, while the separation can be explained by the lack of genetic material exchange between the two populations.

Current state of Anabasis salsa pasture varieties in Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan) due to Aral Sea drying

This article is devoted to the study of the current state of 2 pasture varieties of the biyurgun type: Anabasis salsa with the participation of Caroxylon orientale, Artemisia terrae-albae and A. kemrudica; Anabasis salsa with Caroxylon orientale and Artemisia terra-albae and Convolvulus fruticosus, Lycium ruthenicum, Anabasis brachiata, Nanophyton erinaceum, Nitraria schoberi, Malacocarpus crithmifolius and Xylosalsola chiwensis, with single Crambe edentula specimens distributed across the territory of Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan) under the influence of Aral Sea drying. The Anabasis salsa pasture type occupies a larger area than that occupied by the other pasture types in Karakalpak Ustyurt (2 664 774 ha) and accounts for 36.4% of the total territory, which includes 9 pasture varieties. This type is common on takyr, loamy saline soils and, high-gypsum soils. The area of the studied pasture varieties, soil cover nature, projective cover percentage, landscape plant species, species placement, forage yield and recommended seasonality of use were determined. According to our observations the investigated pasture varieties are recommended for use as autumn-winter pastures.

Halotolerant rhizobacteria enhance the tolerance of the desert halophyte Nitraria schoberi to salinity and dust pollution by improving its physiological and nutritional status

Playas have a high potential for producing dust, sand, and salt storms, which can influence human health and agricultural land in the near future. Growing vegetation is an effective way to control wind erosion, but events like soil salinity and dust storms prevent vegetation from settling in these areas. In this study, the effects of two halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strains, Bacillus pumilus HR and Zhihengliuella halotolerans SB, on morpho-physiological and nutritional status of the desert halophyte Nitraria schoberi under the stress of salinity (0, 300, and 600 mM NaCl) and dust (0 and 1.5 g m−2 month−1) were examined. The results showed that salinity, dust and the combination of the two stresses had a negative effect on most morphological and physiological traits of the plant. Salinity stress reduced potassium, iron, and manganese of N. schoberi by 28, 30, and 21 %, and increased anthocyanins, proline, and peroxidase by 21, 92, and 16 %, respectively. Both bacterial strains and their combination improved plant growth against such stresses. The effect of B. pumilus HR strain was more than that of Z. halotolerans SB strain on the plant. HR strain and SB strain increased chlorophyll a by 62 and 25 %, total dry biomass by 66 and 31 % at 300 mM NaCl level, respectively, and significantly increased seedling quality index by 72 and 76 %, respectively, under dust stress. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the presence of bacterial strains decreased antioxidant compounds (negative correlation) and increased mineral elements, chlorophyll, total dry biomass, and seedling quality index. This information can help us in the optimal afforestation of this plant species and the fixation of salt dust in the playa under the conditions of climate change in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.

Ecological and phytocenotic characteristics of plant communities of Nitraria schoberi L. in Dagestan

For the first time, an ecological-phytocenotic classification of communities of Nitraria schoberi L., widespread in the territory of the Republic of Dagestan has been developed. 29 geobotanical descriptions were carried out on sample plots (SP) taking into account the floristic composition, as a result of which 7 formations, 14 groups of associations and 27 associations were identified. In the course of research, 179 species of higher vascular plants were identified in communities with the participation of Nitraria schoberi. The largest was the Nitrarieta schoberi formation with 7 groups of associations and 14 associations, in which 128 species of vascular plants grow.

The effects of municipal treated wastewater and sludge on some vegetative characteristics of Nitraria Schoberi

The present study investigates the effect of treated wastewater and sludge on some vegetative characteristics of the Nitraria schoberi plant. This study was conducted in a randomized block template using several treatments include five levels of irrigation with wastewater (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%), two types of soil (arable land and desert soil of Meighan desert area), and two levels of sludge (presence and absence of sludge) with 6 repetitions for each treatment. SPSS software was used to perform the statistical analysis of plant morphological characteristics. The results showed that the highest increase in height, collar diameter, and the crown cover was observed when a wastewater level of 100% was applied in the catchment basin soil of the Meighan desert at both presence and absence treatment of sludge. However, the same characteristics of Nitraria schoberi plant for cropland soils in the present treatment of sludge were at wastewater level of 100% and in the absence treatment of sludge for plant height, collar diameter and crown cover diameter were at wastewater level of 50%, 100%, and 75%, respectively. According to the results, different levels of wastewater have a significant impact on Nitraria schoberi plant height and crown cover diameter (P<0.01(. But different treatments did not show a significant difference in the collar diameter of the Nitraria schoberi plant. We can conclude that the use of wastewater should have a favorable effect on plants and soils of the desert area and should protect soil and water resources, but the environmental impact of treatments should be examined.

Mitigation of Salt Stress by Mycorrhizal Inoculation on Nitraria schoberi as a Native Landscape Plant in the Arid regions

Increasing the salinity in the water and soil can negatively affect plant growth and development. Mycorrhizal fungi application is one of the ways to reduce the undesirable effect of salt stress on plants. An experiment was conducted in 2017 to assess the effect of salt stress on Nitraria schuberi, as a native Iranian plant in arid regions, inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi. Seedlings of this plant were treated under three different levels of NaCl in three stages. The stages including low salt concentrations (0, 20, 60, and 100 mM NaCl), medium salt concentrations (0, 40, 120, and 200 mM NaCl) and high salt concentrations (0, 80, 240, and 400 mM NaCl). Mycorrhizal treatment including two levels: non-inoculated (control) and mycorrhizal inoculated. Experimental designs were factorials (4×2 treatments) based on the completely randomized design with four replications. In this study, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoid, sugar, proline and Na, Mg, K, Fe and Ca were measured. The results indicated that with increasing salinity levels from the first (low) to third (high) stage, chlorophyll content was decreased while carotenoid, proline, and sugar were increased. The application of NaCl salinity led to a reduction in Fe and enhancement in Na. In the mycorrhizal plants, sugar content decreased but magnesium, calcium and potassium levels increased. Based on these findings it seems that Nitraria schuberi is a salt tolerant plant and mycorrhizal fungi can mitigate salinity stress in this plant. Therefore this plant could be applied in the urban landscape of arid and semi-arid regions.

The Impact of Lignite and Wheat Straw Biochar Application on Structural Traits of Pot-Grown Nitraria Schoberi L. and Soil Properties

Applying proper soil amendments in arid and semi-arid areas improves soil quality and promotes plant growth. Lignite and Wheat Straw Biochar (WSB) are soil amendments that can be used to improve soil quality and plant productivity. Nitraria Schoberi L. is a halophyte shrub from Nitrariaceae family that is planted in degraded rangelands for forage production and soil conservation. In this research, we investigated the effects of lignite and WSB on structural traits (e.g., height, crown diameter, area and volume, leaf area, perimeter, etc.) of N. Schoberi and soil properties. The lignite and WSB amendments were applied at rates of 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 3.75% (weight/weight) in six replications. The experiment was conducted in pots inside a greenhouse. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way and two-way analyses of variance using the SPSS21 statistical software. Our results revealed that lignite and WSB amendments significantly improved soil properties and increased structural traits of the N. Schoberi. Trait enhancement was considerably increased by incorporating a larger ratio of amendments to soil during the experiment. In particular, we found that an application of 3.75% (w/w) of both amendments among the ones tested provided the best rate to reach the largest improvement in soil properties and the largest growth of N. Schoberi. The results demonstrated that lignite and WSB can be used to enhance soil chemical and biological properties to promote the productivity of N. Schoberi. Our results suggest that the application of lignite and WSB effectively improved poor soil properties in the studied clay loam solonchak rangeland soil. We recommend incorporating these amendments in the restoration of rangelands with alkaline soils using N. Schoberi.

Soil carbon pool changes following semi-arid lands planting programs

Success in carbon sequestration projects (CSPs) is a challenging issue in semi-arid regions, therefor the objective of this report was to monitor soil carbon stock (SCS) through tree planting programs (TPPs) in Iran’s central lands. We monitored SC pool changes in rhizosphere of Haloxylon persicum Bunge, Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt., Nitraria schoberi L. and Amygdalus scoparia Spach planted in pure form under densities of 200 plants/ha (Den1) and 275 plants/ha (Den2) every two years 2004 to 2018. Results demonstrated carbon sequestration (CS) depends strongly on the type of species and its density at the early stage of TPPs (P < 0.01). Also under Den2, the rate of CS changes had an erratic trend under TPPs and the maximum biennial rate was 23.0, 18.5, 13.7 and 17.0% for H. persicum, A. canescens, N. schoberi and A. scoparia, respectively. Interestingly this report, significant increase of 271.19, 222.00, 138.90 and 206.40 kg h−1, respectively has occurred in 0.3 m soil depth after 14 years’.

Evaluation of salt tolerance in a native shrub (Nitraria schoberi) for use in urban landscapes

The use of native plants in the urban landscape, especially in areas with saline and poor soils, plays a key role in water resource management and also in reduction of municipal costs. In order to assess the effect of salt stress on Nitraria schoberi, a native shrub from Iran, potted plants were irrigated with salt water (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mM NaCl). The results showed that chlorophyll, sugar and relative water contents were not adversely affected by the salinity level. Proline content was also not increased significantly by salinity compared with control plants. The findings suggest that Nitraria schoberi is a tolerant plant to salinity that can be used as an ornamental plant in the landscaping of arid areas.

干旱荒漠区植物生态位对水盐的响应

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 干旱荒漠区植物生态位对水盐的响应 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201801180135 作者: 作者单位: 新疆大学,新疆大学,新疆大学 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（31560131） Response of plant niche to soil moisture and salinity in an arid desert area of Xinjiang, China Author: Affiliation: Xinjiang University,Xinjiang University,Xinjiang University Fund Project: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program, Key Program, Major Research Plan) 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:全球气候变化对生态系统功能的影响决定着种群地位和群落演替，由于干旱区的特殊性成为研究生物响应环境变化的热点地区。为探索艾比湖流域荒漠区植物生态位对土壤水盐梯度的响应，在研究水、盐含量和植物生态位特征的基础上，应用变系数模型，分析了土壤水盐梯度下的群落组成和生态位响应趋势。结果显示：（1）随土壤水盐梯度的降低，艾比湖流域群落的物种组成呈倒"V"型分布，说明土壤水盐交互作用影响着植被分布和群落类型。（2）高水盐环境下，胡杨（Populus euphratica）、琵琶柴（Reaumuria soongorica）和梭梭（Haloxylon ammodendron）等生态位宽度值（Bi）较大，柽柳（Tamarix ramosissima）、骆驼刺（Alhagi sparsifolia）和甘草（Glycyrrhiza uralensis）等Bi较小；中水盐环境下，白刺（Nitraria schoberi）和琵琶柴的Bi较大，铃铛刺（Halimodendron halodendron）、甘草和盐节木（Halocnemum strobilaceum）的Bi较小；低水盐环境下，梭梭、花花柴（Karelinia caspica）和琵琶柴等Bi较大，盐节木的Bi较小；说明土壤水盐环境和物种生态学特性是影响Bi的重要因素。（3）物种水平上，Bi较大的种群与其他物种的生态位重叠（Oij）一般较大，但Bi较小的物种间的Oij不一定小（例如：高水盐土壤环境下柽柳和骆驼刺的Oij为1）；群落水平上，Bi与Oij具有一定的正相关性；说明由于资源纬度的相似性增大了低Bi物种间的Oij，并且Bi和Oij由物种向群落尺度转换时，两者之间的关系存在冗余。（4）土壤水盐梯度与群落生态幅呈现一种非线性相关特征，高水盐格局对群落Bi有一定的促进效应，而低水盐模式对Bi具有一定的限制作用，表明土壤水盐的协同效应影响着物种在群落的地位，并在一定程度上决定了群落向正负两极演替的方向。 Abstract:The impact of global climate change on ecosystem function determines the status of population and community succession, and since arid areas are unique, they have become a hot spot for studying biological responses to environmental change. We used a sample plot method investigation to explore the response of plant niche to the soil water and salt gradient of the Ebinur Lake Basin. Based on a study of moisture, salt content, and plant niche characteristics for arid desert areas, the changes in community composition and niche responses to soil water and salt at different gradients were analyzed. The results showed the species composition of communities had a reverse "V" pattern along the water and salt environmental factor gradient (from high to low); these phenomena indicate that the interaction of water and salt concentration was the main reason the distribution of vegetation types was restricted. The niche breadth of Populus euphratica, Reaumuria soongorica, and Haloxylon ammodendron were larger than those of Tamarix ramosissima, Alhagi sparsifolia, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis at high saltwater soil environments. The niche breadth of Nitraria schoberi and Reaumuria soongorica were larger than those of Halimodendron halodendron, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Halocnemum strobilaceum at moderate saltwater soil environments. The niche breadth of Haloxylon ammodendron, Karelinia capsica, and Reaumuria soongorica were larger than those of Halocnemum strobilaceum at low saltwater soil environments. These phenomena indicate that the ecological niche of a population was not only determined by soil moisture and salinity, but also the ecological characteristics of the species in the desert area. At the species level, the niche overlap of the populations with large niche breadth between other species was generally large, but the niche overlap with smaller niche breadth species was not necessarily small; however, at the community level, there was a positive correlation between niche breadth and niche overlap. These phenomena indicate that a similarity in resource latitudes increased the niche overlap between the low niche breadth species, and the relationship between them was redundant when there was a transformation of niche breadth and niche overlap from the species to the community scale. The soil water and salt gradient showed a nonlinear correlation with community ecological amplitude. The distribution pattern of high water and salt in the soil had a certain promoting effect on the niche breadth of the community, while the distribution pattern of low water and low salt had a limited effect on niche breadth. The synergistic effect of soil water and salt determined the status of species in the community and determined the direction of community succession to the positive and negative poles. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

A novel approach to study the morphology and chemistry of pollen in a phylogenetic context, applied to the halophytic taxon Nitraria L.(Nitrariaceae).

Nitraria is a halophytic taxon (i.e., adapted to saline environments) that belongs to the plant family Nitrariaceae and is distributed from the Mediterranean, across Asia into the south-eastern tip of Australia. This taxon is thought to have originated in Asia during the Paleogene (66–23 Ma), alongside the proto-Paratethys epicontinental sea. The evolutionary history of Nitraria might hold important clues on the links between climatic and biotic evolution but limited taxonomic documentation of this taxon has thus far hindered this line of research. Here we investigate if the pollen morphology and the chemical composition of the pollen wall are informative of the evolutionary history of Nitraria and could explain if origination along the proto-Paratethys and dispersal to the Tibetan Plateau was simultaneous or a secondary process. To answer these questions, we applied a novel approach consisting of a combination of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to determine the chemical composition of the pollen wall, and pollen morphological analyses using Light Microscopy (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We analysed our data using ordinations (principal components analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling), and directly mapped it on the Nitrariaceae phylogeny to produce a phylomorphospace and a phylochemospace. Our LM, SEM and FTIR analyses show clear morphological and chemical differences between the sister groups Peganum and Nitraria. Differences in the morphological and chemical characteristics of highland species (Nitraria schoberi, N. sphaerocarpa, N. sibirica and N. tangutorum) and lowland species (Nitraria billardierei and N. retusa) are very subtle, with phylogenetic history appearing to be a more important control on Nitraria pollen than local environmental conditions. Our approach shows a compelling consistency between the chemical and morphological characteristics of the eight studied Nitrariaceae species, and these traits are in agreement with the phylogenetic tree. Taken together, this demonstrates how novel methods for studying fossil pollen can facilitate the evolutionary investigation of living and extinct taxa, and the environments they represent.

Nitraria schoberi L. hairy root culture as a source of compounds with antiviral activity against influenza virus subtypes А(H5N1) and А(H3N2).

The hairy root culture of halophyte Nitraria schoberi was obtained by transforming seedlings' primary leaves with a wild strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834 SWISS (transformation frequency was 78.7%). The roots' transgenic status was confirmed by PCR analysis using rolB-, rolC-, virC-, virD1-specific primers. There was a significant increase in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, pectins, protopectins and saponins in hairy roots as compared to intact plant roots. The сatechin content in ethanol extracts of transformed roots' exceeded this factor 3.8 times in plant roots, but the compound composition of catechin nature in the latter was more diverse. The high antiviral activity of N. schoberi hairy root ethanol extracts against influenza virus subtypes A(H5N1), A(H3N2) was revealed, which manifested itself in the effective inhibition of infectivity both in vitro-in MDCK cell culture-and in vivo increasing survival of mice infected with them.

Response of two halophyte plants (Nitraria schoberi and Halocnemum strobilaceum) to potassium sulfate under saline condition

Due to the desertification development and consequently the increase of saline lands in Iran, the use of resistant plants in such conditions to reduce its effects seems necessary. Hence, this study has tried to investigate the effect of potassium sulfate treatment on dry matter and Na and K content and physiological properties of foliar tissue of two halophyte species (Nitraria schoberi and Halocnemum strobilaceum) under different saline conditions. According to the results all studied parameters were significantly affected by plant species, potassium sulfate and NaCl treatments. Plant species and NaCl interaction and triple interaction showed significant effect on dry weight, sodium and potassium content of shoot and leaf chlorophyll content, also plant species and K2SO4 interaction has significantly effect on plant height and sodium, potassium and flavonoid content of shoots. High levels of K2SO4 treatment (135 Kg ha-1) significantly affected potassium content of N. schoberi in 100 and 200 mM NaCl treatments and increased its content more than 27 and 28% respectively compared with control. Also, application of K2SO4 affected accumulation of flavonoids in both plant but the response of N. schoberi still significant. According to the mean comparison, N. schoberi showed more than 12% scavenging activity than the H. strobilaceum. It seems that H. strobilaceum has strategies beyond the antioxidant capacity to adapt to the stressful environment condition, which are seemed much more efficient than increasing antioxidant capacity.

Vegetation dynamics and their response to groundwater and climate variables in Qaidam Basin, China

ABSTRACTThis article discusses an evaluation of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) time-series data for monitoring vegetation variation in Qaidam Basin, Northwest China. In this study, 16 day composite 250 m normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) products (MOD13Q1) acquired from 2000 to 2011 were processed to determine vegetation cover fraction (VCF) for detecting the annual dynamics of different types of vegetation cover in the basin and the products were validated by comparing field measurement in spatial distribution. The results show that the annual NDVI value increased from 0.126 to 0.172 on average between 2000 and 2011. The basin interior is dominated by desert and 74% of the area is covered by low-density shrubs and bare soil. Both areas of bare soil and low-density vegetation present a decreased rate, whereas medium-, medium-high-, and high-density vegetation show increase trends in the vegetation cover. Generally, the vegetation fluctuation depends on various attributes such as climate change, elevation, water table depth, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in arid areas. We found strong statistical correlation between NDVI time series and climatic factors such as air temperature and precipitation. There is also an agreement between the spatial distribution of NDVI value and elevation, because elevation has important impacts on the distribution of vegetation pattern, which are different in coverage. The vegetation dependent on water table depth is more complicated: shrubs of Phragmites australis, Artemisia desertorum, and Tamarix ramossissima Ledeb. are sensitive to water table depth and the maximum NDVI occurred at a water table depth shallower than 2 m. However, high-height shrub such as Nitraria Schoberi L. reflects less dependence on water table depth. Normally, vegetation can develop well at TDS between 0 and 3 g l−1 whereas Tamarix ramossissima Ledeb. can still survive when the TDS is larger than 8 g l−1.

An evaluation of Miqan wetland changes over a 12-year interval and proposing management approaches: A remote-sensing Prespective

Miqan desert wetland is one of the 10 major wetlands in Iran. In 2008, it has changed into a non-hunting area due to its fragile ecology. Evaluating the change trends of the wetland and the use of its surrounding lands is of high significant in order to maintain the wetlands. In this regard, the satellite images of the ETM+ and OLI sensors of years 2002 and 2013 were initially collected. After performing atmospheric and geometrical correction operation through using the instructed samples derived from Maximum Likelihood Classification Method, they were classified into five different classes namely wetlands, barren lands, grasslands, dry-land farming and irrigated farming. The results indicate the overall accuracy of 80.20 and 84.91 for image classification in 2002 and 2013, respectively.The most significant changes observed were an increase of water level water from 7784.57 hectares in 2002 to 7887.35 hectares in 2013 for wetlands; however, the long-term average annual rainfall in recent years shows a 26-percent reduction. Accordingly, the reason of this 0.26-percent increase of the wetland water level can be attributed to the flow of water from the wastewater treatment center. An increase 20% in the dry land farming, and the 12% reduction of grasslands, 0.31% irrigated farming as well as 8.27% barren lands. The main reasons for such changes include setting a sewage refinery in one of the wetland entrances, conversion of grasslands into dry land farming, recent droughts, and growing salinity-tolerant plants such as Nitraria Schoberi.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities of crude extract from Nitraria schoberi fruits.

This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities of a crude extract from Nitraria schoberi L. (Zygophyllaceae) fruits. The extract was tested against four Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter lwoffii) and one Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria using the agar disc diffusion and microdilution methods. P. aeruginosa was inhibited the most (widest inhibition zone) while K. pneumonia showed the largest MIC value. The antioxidant activity of fruits (0.02 mg/mL vs. 0.04, 0.06 and 1.00 mg/mL for α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole and ascorbic acid, respectively) was determined by the paired diene method. The antifungal activity of N. schoberi fruits was tested against different fungi, including Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, with 300 µg/mL of fruit extract being the most effective concentration. The percentage of anti-inflammatory activity assayed for N. schoberi fruit extract at 100, 200 and 500 µg/mL was 36.12, 59.89 and 88.33 %, respectively. N. schoberi fruits possess potent antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and may be used as an antibacterial and antifungal to treat diseases and/or as a protective agent against disorders associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.

Carbon sequestration potential in soil and stand of Nitraria schoberi L.

Arid and semi-arid lands cover around one-third of the world's terrestrial expanse and their widespread plantdistributions provide these areas with a high potential for sequestering carbon. Vegetation management for developingshrub or tree species in arid and semi-arid regions is one inexpensive and multi-purpose approach for decreasing CO2.This study assessed the potential of carbon sequestration in the soil and biomass of a Nitraria schoberi L. stand in centralIran. Samples were taken from in N. schoberi L. stand and the adjacent native vegetation (Halocnemum strobilaceum M.B. and Seidlitzia rosmarinus (Ehrh.) Bge.) as control area at Hoze Soltan desert region. In both areas, the amounts ofaboveground and underground biomass of plant samples were calculated by cutting and weighing the aerial parts (leaves,stem) and roots. The ash method was used to determine the carbon sequestration coefficients of all samples and soilorganic carbon (SOC) was measured using Walkley and Black's methods. A comparison between the SOC of planted andcontrol areas showed no difference regarding the ability of carbon sequestration between the two areas. The resultsindicated that the total carbon sequestration of the N. schoberi L. stand (28.06 Mg/ha) was significantly higher (p<0.01)than the control area (18.64 Mg/ha) in the Hoze Soltan region.