AGROBIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ATRIPLEX CANESCENS IN CONDITIONS OF CARNABCHUL DESERT

Phytomelioration of low-productivity pastures in Uzbekistan, particularly those affected by salinization, holds significant practical importance. However, this process is often hindered by a limited range of halophyte species capable of thriving in the region's highly arid climate without irrigation. Perennial halophytes are especially valuable for phytomelioration efforts. International experiences from countries such as the USA, Australia, Israel, and other Middle Eastern and North African nations indicate that perennial species of the genus Atriplex are particularly promising in this regard. However, such species are absent in Uzbekistan's native flora. The first attempts at introducing and cultivating certain Atriplex species in Uzbekistan were made in the 1960s at the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that perennial forage species of Atriplex could be cultivated under rainfed conditions. Nevertheless, the soils of Uzbekistan's rainfed zones are not saline, making the introduction of perennial Atriplex species into saline soils a current and pressing issue. Collaborations in the fields of introduction, breeding, and seed production of desert forage plants between the Uzbek Research Institute of Karakul Sheep Breeding and Desert Ecology, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have identified the most promising Atriplex species suitable for enhancing the productivity of arid pastures in Uzbekistan's saline-prone soils. This article summarizes some of the outcomes of introducing Atriplex canescens in the conditions of the Artemisia–ephemeral desert of Karambulchul. The authors express sincere gratitude to ICARDA and ICBA for their comprehensive support and the generously provided Atriplex seed collection.

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