SALTBUSH: ITS PERFORMANCE AND POTENTIAL IN THE INDIAN ARID REGION

Abstract

Saltbushes (Atriplex spp.), family Chenopodiaceae, occur widely in the arid and
semi-arid regions ofthe world, particularly in the southern rangelands ofAustralia
and north America. They are perennial, evergreen, fodder shrubs, and are reported
to grow in saline soils even with only 50 nun rain water (Francelet and Le Houerou,
1971). Some frost resistant species thrive under low temperatures of -10° C to 15°
C, while A. confertifolia, is photosynthetically active from 5° to 50° C. This is the
widest range of temperature adaptability known for any plant (C~dwell, 1972).
They are excellent colonizers ofnewly disturbed areas (Mc Arthur et cil:, 1983). All
saltbushes from Australia are C4, whereas other areas have both C3 and C4 species
(Osmund et al., 1980). Saltbushes exhibit ecotypic adaptations, genetic variability
and physiological drought resistance capability. Introduction ofthese species in the
arid regions of the country is of paramount importance for enhancing fodder
production.