Investigating the Potential of Halophytic Seeds for Producing Edible Oil on Saline Lands

An Agroecological Approach for Advancing Bio‐Saline Agriculture

Bibliographic Data

ID21649004
AuthorsMaria Hasnain (Department of Biotechnology Lahore College for Women University Lahore Pakistan), Zainul Abideen (0000-0002-4958-8816, Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization University of Karachi Karachi Pakistan, corresponding author), Faraz Ali (0009-0006-8102-6406, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering University of Southern Queensland Brisbane Australia), Ali El‐Keblawy (0000-0003-4448-6236, Despartment of Applied Biology University of Sharjah Sharjah UAE), Mona F A Dawood (0000-0003-1387-6135, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science Assiut University Assiut Egypt), Rehab O Elnour (0000-0003-3274-2108, King Khalid University, Applied College Dhahran Aljanob Saudi Arabia), Mohamed Hashem (0000-0001-7611-9540, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science Assiut University Assiut Egypt)
Year2026
Volume37
Issue9
Pages4044-4058
Publication date2026-05-30
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLand Degradation and Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1085-3278 • E-ISSN: 1099-145X
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ldr.70358
OpenAlexW4417191048
LanguageEN
References cited133

Higher food demand is posing a serious challenge due to land degradation, urban expansion, and climate change. Salinity alone affects about a billion hectares of land globally, rendering vast areas unsuitable for conventional crops. In this context, halophytes adapted to saline marginal lands offer a novel and sustainable solution for seed oil production. This review critically evaluates the potential of halophytes as oilseed crops and highlights the mechanisms to enhance seed yield and restoration of saline land for sustainable saline agriculture. Notably, halophytes such as Salicornia europaea (28.3% oil), Tamarix ramosissima (28.6%), and Atriplex nummularia (29.8%) exhibit oil levels comparable to traditional oilseeds. In terms of protein, Salicornia bigelovii (35%) and Prosopis glandulosa (39.9%) rival conventional legumes. Energy values reach up to 376.3 MJ/kg ( Eragrostis pilosa ), while fiber levels range from 4% to 21%, indicating their holistic nutritional potential. Evidence from prior research suggested that biotechnological strategies (breeding, genetic engineering, and hormonal treatments) can improve halophyte oil yield and stress tolerance. This review also explores biotechnological strategies (breeding, genetic engineering, and hormonal treatments) to enhance oil yield and stress tolerance. Oil‐rich halophyte seeds can be used as a source of edible oil for achieving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting rural livelihoods

Agriculture · Agroecology · Ecotype · Halophyte · Salinity · Soil salinity · Sustainable agriculture · Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems · Plant Growth Enhancement Techniques · Seed and Plant Biochemistry

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