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Climate change and global warming are deeply impacting natural foraging dependent upon rain fall. To understand how xerophytes cope with these dramatic changes, comparative transcriptomic profiling of Atriplex halimus and Atriplex leucoclada was investigated under drought stress. The data revealed both shared and species-specific adaptive mechanisms. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) clustered into major conserved gene families, including stress signaling, transcriptional regulation, antioxidant defense, metabolism, transport, and hormone signaling. In A. halimus, drought tolerance was characterized by strong transcriptional regulation, redox balance, and energy homeostasis, highlighted by the up-regulation of WRKY, MYB, and SET-domain transcription factors, calcium transporters, SnRK1 kinases, and stress-protective proteins such as HSPs and LEAs. On the other hand, A. leucoclada exhibited broader signaling flexibility and structural reinforcement through enrichment of MAPKs, CDPKs, 14-3-3 proteins, and cell wall-modifying enzymes (XTHs, expansins, chitinase-like proteins), as well as high expression of transporters and hormone-responsive genes. Such patterns indicated distinct drought adaptation strategies: A. halimus relied on rapid transcriptional and redox adjustments suited for fluctuating moisture regimes, while A. leucoclada employed multi-layered, constitutive defenses for persistent arid conditions. Together, these results elucidate complementary molecular strategies enabling ecological divergence and drought resilience among closely related halophytes.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the dangerous factors that have negative impacts on plants and human health. Recently, many researchers have been looking for biostimulants to use as bioprotectants that can help or ameliorate plants’ tolerance against abiotic stress, including Cd. To test the dangerousness of Cd accumulated in the soil, 200 µM of the latter was applied to sorghum seeds at germination and maturation stages. At the same time, Atriplex halimus water extract (0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%) was applied to test its efficacy on Cd alleviation in sorghum plants. The obtained results showed that the tested concentrations enhanced the tolerance of sorghum to Cd by enhancing the germination indexes parameters such as germination percentage (GP), seedling vigor index (SVI), and reducing the mean germination time (MGT) of sorghum seeds grown under cadmium stress. On the other hand, the morphological parameters (height and weight) as well as the physiological parameters (chlorophyll and carotenoid) were stimulated in treated maturated sorghum plants under Cd stress. In addition, 0.5% and 0.25% of Atriplex halimus extract (AHE) stimulated the antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, and glutathione reductase. In the same time, an increase in carbon–nitrogen enzymes was recorded in the case of AHE treatment; phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase, glutamine synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and amino acid transferase were all upregulated. These results suggest that using AHE as a biostimulant could be a better strategy to enhance the tolerance of sorghum plants to Cd stress.

This study aims to evaluate and thoroughly discuss the effect of olive mill waste water (OMWW) on mineral nutrition and phytomass production of Atriplex halimus ( A. halimus ) , and to identify the mechanisms of tolerance. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. Treatment was induced on vigorous plants aged of 1 year, during 3 months. The treatment applied are 0 (Control), 50 (C1), 100 (C2), and 500 ml/L OMWW (C3). During the test, the measured parameters were mineral nutrition and phytomass production. The results showed that irrigation with OMWW improves the mineral nutrition of A. halimus seedlings. It increased the Cu, Mn, Fe, and K content. The root phytomass is kept stable for the concentrations C1 and C2 slightly reduced for the concentration C3. Whilst, OMWW significantly reduces the shoot phytomass for the different concentrations compared to the controls. At the contrary, the ratio root/shoot phytomass increased for the different concentrations indicating that the allocation of resources is in favor of the roots.

Motivated by the plant’s ethnopharmacological importance and the health conditions of the Sahrawi people, who have been living as refugees for over 50 years, this study comprehensively assessed the nutritional profile, secondary metabolite composition, in vitro bioaccessibility, and toxicological safety of Atriplex halimus L. leaves. The proximate analysis demonstrated richness in dietary fiber (44.41 ± 0.11 g/100 g) and essential macro/microelements, notably iron (142.0 ± 2.41 mg/100 g). The lipid profile features essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically linoleic and α-linolenic acid, accounting for 40.6 ± 7.0% of total fatty acids. The UPLC-HR--MS characterization of two extracts tentatively identified 13 specialized metabolites, including uncommon flavonoids such as highly glycosylated forms of isorhamnetin and syringetin. Caffeic acid 3-sulfate and caffeic acid 4-sulfate were identified by NMR. Although in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH/FRAP tests) was minimal, the traditional decoction showed high total polyphenol bioaccessibility (71.52 ± 0.46%) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion following the harmonized static protocol. The Ames test (using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA1535) confirmed toxicological safety, as neither extract induced mutagenic or genotoxic effects. In conclusion, the robust nutritional composition, in vitro proven safety, and high polyphenol bioaccessibility suggest A. halimus leaves as a promising, nutrient-rich functional ingredient.

Background, aim, and scope The success of phytoextraction depends upon the identification of suitable plant species that hyperaccumulate heavy metals and produce large amounts of biomass using established agricultural techniques. In this study, the Mediterranean saltbush Atriplex halimus L., which is a C4 perennial native shrub of Mediterranean basin with an excellent tolerance to drought and salinity, is investigated with the main aim to assess its phytoremediation potential for Pb and Cd removal from contaminated soils. In particular, the influence of soil salinity in metal accumulation has been studied as there is notable evidence that salinity changes the bioavailability of metals in soil and is a key factor in the translocation of metals from roots to the aerial parts of the plant. Materials and methods Three pot experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions for a 10-week period with A. halimus grown in soil artificially polluted with 20 ppm of Cd and/or 800 ppm of Pb and irrigated with three different salt solutions (0.0%, 0.5%, and 3.0% NaCl). Soil measurements for soil characterization were performed with the expiration of the first week of plant exposure to metals and NaCl, and at the end of the experimental period, chlorophyll content, leaf protein content, leaf specific activity of guaiacol peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), shoot water content, biomass, and Cd and Pb content in the plant tissues were determined. Additionally, any symptoms of metal or salt toxicity exhibited by the plants were visually noted during the whole experimental period. Results The experimental data suggest that increasing salinity increases cadmium uptake by A. halimus L. while in the case of lead there was not a clear effect of the presence of salt on lead accumulation in plant tissues. A. halimus developed no visible signs of metal toxicity; only salt toxicity symptoms were observed in plants irrigated with 3% NaCl solutions. Chlorophyll content, leaf protein content, shoot water content, and biomass were not negatively affected by the metals; instead, there was even an increase in the amount of photosynthetic pigments in plants treated with both metals and salinity. The specific activity of guaiacol peroxidase seems to have a general tendency for increase in plants treated with the metals in comparison with the respective controls but a statistically significant difference exists only in plants treated with the metal mixture and saline conditions. Discussion The data revealed that lead and cadmium accumulation in plant tissues was kept generally at low levels. Salinity was found to have a positive effect on cadmium uptake by the plant and this may be related to a higher bioavailability of the metal in soil due to decreased Cd sorption on soil particles. On the other hand, salinity did not influence in a clear way the uptake of Pb by the plant probably because of lead's limited mobility in soils and plant tissues. Cd and Pd usually decrease the chlorophyll content and biomass and change water relations in plants; however, A. halimus was found not to be affected indicating that it is a Cd- and Pb-tolerant plant. Guaiacol peroxidase activity as one of the parameters expressing oxidative damage and extent of stress in plants was not generally found to be significantly affected under the presence of metals in most plants suggesting that the extent of stress in plants was minimal, while only for plants treated with the metal mixture and low salinity the enzyme activity was elevated confirming that this enzyme serves as an antioxidative tool against the reactive oxygen species produced by the metals. Conclusions Atriplex halimus L. is a Pb- and Cd-tolerant plant but metal concentrations achieved in plant tissues were kept generally at low levels; however, metal accumulation in shoots, especially for Cd, considered together with its high biomass production, rapid growth, and deep root system able to cope with poor structure and xeric characteristics of several polluted soils suggest that this plant deserves further investigation. Recommendations and perspectives Phytoextraction by halophytes is a promising alternative for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated sites affected by salinity since saline depressions often indicate sites of industrial effluents accumulation, contaminated by heavy metals, including Pb and Cd. Halophytes are also promising candidates for the removal of heavy metals from non-saline soils. Furthermore, the use of such plants can be potentially viewed as an alternative method for soil desalination where salt is removed from the soil instead of being washed downwards by water or other solutions.

The objective of the two studies was to evaluate t effects of feeding on lactating Awassi ewes (study 1) and lambs (study 2), fed on a diet of Atriplex halimus L. (ATR) or olive cake (OC), as a foraging source substitute for wheat straw. In study 1, 33 newly lambed ewes and their lambs were randomly assigned one of three diets: The control diet (CON), 250 g/kg of OC, or 250 g/kg of ATR dry matter (DM). Ewes and lambs were housed in individual pens. Ewes fed CON diet had greater DM, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre intakes than OC and ATR groups. Ether extract (EE) intake was greater (p < .0001) in OC diet compared to CON and ATR diets. Milk yield was similar (p = .99) among treatments. Content of milk total solids and fat were greater in ATR diet than CON and OC diets. Milk production cost was lower in the OC and ATR compared to the CON group. In study 2, 18 ewe lambs were assigned the same diets used in study 1 to evaluate the effects of OC and ATR on nutrient digestibility and N balance. Dry matter digestibility was greater in ATR compared to CON and OC groups. The digestibility of EE was greater in the OC group than in CON and ATR groups. Results showed that the inclusion of OC and ATR did not negatively impact lactation performance. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production. Highlights Olive cake and Atriplex halimus L. were fed to Awassi ewes at a level of 250 g/kg of dietary DM. The inclusion of olive cake and A. halimus L. at 250 g/kg of dietary DM, as a source of fibre, did not negatively impact the lactation performance of sheep. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production.

Heavy metals present in the soil and water are entering the food chain, which in turn causes severe health hazards. The present study was aimed to explore phytotoxicity of various concentrations of lead acetate, zinc and cadmium (0–8000 ppm) in Atriplex halimus L. Exogenous application of zinc significantly boosted shoot length (67.8%), polyphenoloxidase activity (66.6%), chlorophyll a (55.5%), chlorophyll b (45.9%), chlorophyll t (52.4%) and carotenoid (58.6%) under zinc-6000 ppm compared to the control without zinc treatment, while catalase activity and root length reduced by 45.6 and 14.6%, respectively. In comparison to control, polyphenoloxidase and non-enzymatic antioxidant i.e. carotenoid, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll t were significantly enhanced while root length and free proline contents in leaves reduced by 45.6 and 53.1% with exogenous application of plomb-8000 ppm. The same treatment of cadmium (6000 and 8000 ppm) enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities but decreased shoot length, root length and photosynthetic pigments as compared to control. The present results suggest that Atriplex halimus L. had potential tolerance mechanism and could be used to bioremediate the trace elements-contaminated soils.

The secreting glandular trichomes are recognized as an efficient structure that alleviates salt effects on Atriplex halimus . They are found on buds, young green stems, and leaves. They occupy both the leaf surfaces and give them a whitish color. Their histogenesis and ultrastructure were investigated in the third young leaves. They appear in early stage of plant development and its initiation continuous until just the leaf final development state. Each trichome contains two parts; a stalk which has high electron opacity, embedded in epidermal cells, and bears a second one which is unicellular, called bladder cell and has a low electron density. The bladder cell appears as a huge vacuole and the well-reduced cytoplasm which is pushed close to the wall, contains only a few organelles. Concurrently, the use of silver chloride precipitation technique shows that, in secretion process, salt follows a symplasmatic pathway which is consolidated by the presence of numerous plasmodesmata between the stalk cell(s), and the bladder one and the neighboring mesophyll cells. In addition, according to lanthanum-tracer study, salt can be excreted apoplastically. In fact, the heavy element can be transported via endocytosis vesicles, and by Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosome (G.E.R.L.) network toward the storage vacuoles.

Biocontrol is considered as an effective alternative to the application of agrochemicals, which are harmful to the environment, human, and animal health. In this study, twenty-six strains of actinomycetes were isolated from rhizospheric arid soil of the halophyte Atriplex halimus L. ῾Guettaf’ in Biskra province, Algeria. The six isolates that have inhibited at least three phytopathogenic fungi among the five tested (Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus and Botrytis cinerea) were selected, and have been tested in vitro against phytopathogenic bacteria (Pectobacterium carotovorum and Streptomyces scabies). They were also evaluated for their ability to hydrolyze phosphate, elaborate siderophores, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and to antagonize S. scabies in vivo (on radish seedlings). Based on the physicochemical analyses, soil samples were categorized as alkaline and extremely-saline. The antagonism results revealed varying antifungal potential among the selected isolates (Act11, Act16, Act17, Act18, Act23 and Act24), about 50% were able to inhibit the growth of F. solani and A. flavus, followed by 33.33% of those having antagonized F. oxysporum, while A. alternata was found to be the most sensitive. Only Act18 has antagonized S. scabies in vitro with an inhibition diameter zone of 19 ± 0.41 mm. However, in vivo trials showed that four isolates have counteracted S. scabies. Among them, Act18 and Act24 have significantly and positively affected the root surface (P = 0.0062) and prevented common scab. IAA was detected in all selected isolates with Act24 being the highest producer (77.45 μg mL−1). Additionally, degradation ability revealed that four isolates were able to hydrolyze phosphate while three exhibited the capacity of elaborating siderophores. The six isolates were assigned to Streptomyces genius according to their morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomical traits. Based on this study, Streptomyces sp. Act18 and Streptomyces sp. Act24 that tolerate 7.5% NaCl concentration, prevent common scab and exhibit some plant growth attributes, may be considered as promising biocontrol agents to be applied in arid and saline soils.

Atriplex halimus L., also known as Mediterranean saltbush, and locally as “Lgtef”, an halophytic shrub, is used extensively to treat a wide variety of ailments in Morocco. The present study was undertaken to determine the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract of A. halimus leaves (AHEE). We first determined the phytochemical composition of AHEE using a liquid chromatography (LC)–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using different methods including DPPH scavenging capacity, β-carotene bleaching assay, ABTS scavenging, iron chelation, and the total antioxidant capacity assays. Cytotoxicity was investigated against human cancer breast cells lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The results showed that the components of the extract are composed of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The DPPH test showed strong scavenging capacity for the leaf extract (IC50 of 0.36 ± 0.05 mg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid (IC50 of 0.19 ± 0.02 mg/mL). The β-carotene test determined an IC50 of 2.91 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The IC50 values of ABTS, iron chelation, and TAC tests were 44.10 ± 2.92 TE µmol/mL, 27.40 ± 1.46 mg/mL, and 124 ± 1.27 µg AAE/mg, respectively. In vitro, the AHE extract showed significant inhibitory activity in all tested tumor cell lines, and the inhibition activity was found in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, computational techniques such as molecular docking and ADMET analysis were used in this work. Moreover, the physicochemical parameters related to the compounds’ pharmacokinetic indicators were evaluated, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity prediction (Pro-Tox II).