Progress in the Study and Use of Seawater Vegetables

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Global soil salinization is increasing, necessitating innovative solutions for soil remediation and food production.
• Halophytes, plants adapted to saline environments, are crucial for improving soil quality and can be cultivated using seawater.
• Seawater vegetables encompass salt-tolerant edible halophytes and conventional vegetables, showing promise for cultivation on saline and alkali soils.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the salt-tolerance mechanisms of seawater vegetables.
• To explore the potential applications of seawater vegetables in various sectors.
• To summarize the health, medicinal, industrial, and economic benefits of seawater vegetables.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on halophyte research.
• Analysis of salt-tolerance mechanisms in plants.
• Compilation of data on the applications and benefits of seawater vegetables.

Main Results:

• Halophytes possess diverse mechanisms to tolerate high salinity.
• Seawater vegetables have significant potential for soil improvement and food security.
• These vegetables offer substantial value in health, medicine, industry, and economic development.

Conclusions:

• Seawater vegetables represent a valuable resource for sustainable agriculture in saline environments.
• Further research at cellular and molecular levels is essential for optimizing the cultivation and utilization of seawater vegetables.
• Harnessing the potential of seawater vegetables can contribute to addressing global challenges of soil degradation and food security.