Potential Genetic Resources of Salicornia

Abstract

Salicornia bigelovii an annual C3, leafless halophyte is a potential sea resource irrigated edible oil crop. Due to its highly salt tolerant nature, it is grown in coastal desert areas with direct seawater irrigation. Salicornia seed contained high level of oil (26-32 percent) and more or less similar to safflower and sunflower in edible qualities. Seed meal had 35 to 40% protein with 0.05 peercent saponins and could replace soybean meal used in poultry industry. Straw of Salicornia is rich in lignin and salt. It can be used in making fire logs.