A University of Newcastle-led global study has produced the most complete genetic picture yet of a salt-loving plant with the potential to help grow food in some of the world's harshest environments.
Published in Nature Communications, the study sequenced the genomes of six species of Salicornia, an edible salt-tolerant plant often compared to asparagus for its flavor and texture. Sometimes called sea asparagus or samphire, Salicornia is already eaten in parts of Europe, Asia and North America.
The findings provide a foundation for future breeding efforts aimed at developing crops that can thrive where conventional agriculture struggles.
As freshwater supplies come under increasing pressure from climate change and population growth, researchers say salt-tolerant crops could play an important role in strengthening food security.
University of Newcastle plant scientist and study lead Dr. Vanessa Melino said freshwater was becoming one of agriculture's biggest challenges.
"Salicornia offers a different path. It can grow in seawater and salty soils where most crops cannot."
A global effort to map Salicornia
The five-year project brought together 24 researchers from eight countries, united by a shared goal of understanding the genetics behind one of the world's most promising salt-tolerant food crops. The research began at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
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