Saline agriculture : salt-tolerant plants for developing countries

Many have already been in traditional use, and there are also a number of plants that, although not halophytes, have sufficient salt tolerance for use in some saline environments. Although economic consideration of halophytes and other salt tolerant plants is just beginning, they are now receiving increased attention in arid regions where intensive irrigation has led to salinized soils or where water shortages are forcing use of marginal resources such as brackish underground water. This report will examine some of the plants that may be suitable for economic production in saline environments in developing countries. There are four sections in this report. They highlight salt tolerant plants that may serve as food, fuel, fodder, and other products such as essential oils, pharmaceuticals, and fiber. In each of these sections, plants are described that have potential for productive use. Each section also contains an extensive list of recent papers and other publications that contain additional information on these plants. A list of researchers currently working on these plants or related projects is included at the end of each section. (Author abstract)