This volume is a landmark in the development of the of pilot plantations in order to demonstrate the eco­ halophyte ecology research and development for the logical sustainability and the economic feasibility of saline irrigated production systems. following reasons: This book is intended to provide starting points for 1. The volume brings together contributions from work at several levels of research from physiology many countries from which otherwise little infor­ through chemistry and practical applications to taxon­ mation is available in the international literature. omy and floristic analyses. The volume is structured in this way and shows the different approaches possible 2. The volume summarises through individual con­ in different parts of the world limited by the interest of tributors the state of research possibilities in many the local scientists, laboratory and monetary resources developing countries. available or suggested by the type of information 3. The volume documents the latest work by the mem­ needed for further studies. bers of the European Union's Concerted Action Towards the end of this book we report on the initi­ Group "Sustainable utilisation of halophytes in the ation of the new scientific society dealing with the Mediterranean and subtropical dry regions". problems to be solved to create new cash crop halo­ phytes which is very much needed for the immediate 4. The volume reports contributions from the work­ future in many developing countries with desert or shop held at the beginning of the EXPO 2000, semi desert climates.

Salinity Tolerance Analysis.- Study of potential cash crop halophytes by a quick check system: Determination of the threshold of salinity tolerance and the ecophysiological demands.- Physiological responses and structural modifications in Atriplex halimus L. plants exposed to salinity.- Some physiological and biochemical aspects of salt tolerance in two oleaginous halophytes: Cakile maritima and Crithmum maritimum.- Salinity tolerance of Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima. Part I. Biomass production and osmotic adjustment.- Salinity tolerance of Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima. Part II. Physiological and biochemical regulation.- Effect of seawater irrigation on biomass production and ion composition of seven halophytic species in Morocco.- Some physiological and biochemical aspects of salt tolerance of Sesuvium portulacastrum.- Salt-tolerance strategy of two halophyte species: Spartina alterniflora and Suaeda fruticosa.- Salt-avoidance mechanisms in the halophyte Distichlis spicata as a promising source for improved salt resistance in crop plants.- Chemical Contents.- Chemical composition variation during root decomposition in Tagus estuary salt marshes.- Metal partition in Tagus estuary salt marshes: a case study.- Potential of halophytes as animal fodder in Egypt.- Lipid composition of seeds of local halophytes: Cakile maritima, Zygophyllum album and Crithmum maritimum.- Field Scale Investigations.- The use of saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) as a pioneer forage crop in salty environments.- Primary analysis of four salt tolerant plants growing in Hai-He Plain, China.- Field scale experiments on plant tolerance to saline irrigation water.- The influence of environmental factors and zonal distribution of Phragmites australis and Phacelurus latifolius in salt marsh, Central Japan.- Relevant Accompanying Contributions.- Genetically modified halophytes in agro-ecosystems: ecological and environmental considerations.- Halophytic grasses as vital components of cash crop halophytes: Sporobolus madraspatanus Bor..- An ecological overview of halophytes from Pakistan.- A comprehensive survey of halophytes in Khorasan province of Iran.