Linkage studies of structure, isoenzymatic diversity and some biotechnological procedures for Salsola species under desert saline environments
Abstract
One of the main undesirable consequences of the process of desertification in the Central Asia countries is an amplification of salinity process resulting in a wide development of saline soils. The amplification of the salinity process under conditions of aridization of climate is caused by the high maintenance of salts both in the surface and in subsoil waters of dry lands of the Aral Sea Basin []. Besides that, the recent overuse of Amudarya, Zerafshan and Syrdarya river water has resulted in the waterlogging and secondary salinization (human caused) salt/affected lands on whole adjacent territories. Effects of these impacts include alteration or destruction of vegetation, frequent disappearance of many useful, endemic and relict species of desert plants, and consequently, establishment of annual plant communities dominated by weeds and exotic species. Up to 15,000 ha of pastures are annually affected by salinity and waterlogging that resulted in the reduction of population of more than 1,500 species of mammals, birds and plants in the whole of the Central Asia region [, ].