Climate-smart Halophyte: The role of Atriplex in future food security

Abstract

Background

Halophytes are promising crops for food security due to their excellent nutritional value and salt tolerance. Atriplex species stand out for their high productivity, wide distribution, and strong environmental tolerance, widely used in livestock feed, soil remediation, agricultural reclamation, food, and medicine.

Scope and approach

Consequently, screening different genotypes of Atriplex from different continents and countries for their nutritional and bioactive properties could aid targeted breeding efforts in the future. Atriplex may play a crucial role as a dietary intervention crop for combating malnutrition and hidden hunger in the future. The present review will give a comprehensive overview on the nutritional composition, bioactive properties and food potential of Atriplex as a future food crop.

Key findings and conclusions

Atriplex is a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, essential minerals and trace elements such as K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn. Furthermore, attributed to its phytochemical compounds, Atriplex has demonstrated a broad range of bioactivities such as anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer. As an Indigenous crop, Atriplex also has great potential to stimulate local and Indigenous enterprises and promote employment in poor rural communities. It can be concluded that Atriplex is a promising "candidate" for saline environments that ensure food security and hidden hunger.