Halophytes and associated properties of natural soils in the Doha area, Qatar

Plant life and the life they support are being eliminated and cannot cope with the construction activities in Doha City. One of the most important reasons behind this study is the fast rate at which many habitats are disappearing due to the higher activities in the construction sites throughout Doha City. These activities are not accompanied by any assessments of the impact on natural habitats nor by any plans for future restoration. This study focuses on the eco-physiology of the dominant wild plant species. Locations 1 and 2 are inhabited with Avicennia marina, Halopeplis perfoliata, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Limonium axillare, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Suaeda vermiculata and Zygophyllum qatarense, while the remaining species, including some xerophytes, were found in the other locations. Analysis of soil samples revealed a considerable variation in all studied parameters including the ECe, water content and pH. The most abundant ions in the soil as expected were Cl- and Na+. The plants studied showed different abilities to accumulate proline in nearly all studied plants. Most plants accumulated higher concentrations of Na+, Cl-, and Ca2+, and lower concentrations of K+ and Mg2 +. Finally, it would be very useful for local authorities to consult research centers before any future construction plans and to support modern research in molecular biology taking advantage of having gene banks from halophytes.

The authors acknowledge the financial support of Scientific & Applied Research Centre (SARC) at Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.

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