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Biotechnological potentials of Seidlitzia rosmarinus:
A mini review
M. R. Hadi
Department of Biology, Sciences and Research Branch of Fars,
Islamic Azad University, Iran. E-mail:
hadi@fsriau.ac.ir or
hadi_mohammadreza@yahyoo.com.
Accepted 30 March, 2009 |
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Seidlitzia rosmarinus
is a perennial woody plant grown mostly along the banks of
salt marshes and in soils with high saline water tables.
This plant being a halophyte is very well adapted to grow in
dry and salt affected desert soils. It plays an important
role in both soil preservation and maintenance. The leaves,
stems and seeds harvested in fall are used as fodder for
livestock. Ashes remaining after burning the leaves and
stems make a salt which is rich in sodium carbonate and is
called "Karia" or "Caria" in Iran. When dissolved in water,
Karia produces a soda also called "Ghalyab". The dried
leaves powder is used as detergent for washing cloths and
dishes. It has also many industrial applications such as
dyeing, making soaps, pottery and ceramics among others.
Besides being used as fodder in dry and desert regions, its
"Ghalyab" can be used in biotechnological studies.
Cultivation of S. rosmarinus plants in salt affected
and dry farm lands for "Ghalyab" production has economical
values.
Key words:
Seidlitzia romarinus, biotechnology, salt tolerance,
soda, forage. |
