Nitraria in the heart of the hot desert of Miqan, Markazi Province, needs attention and reclamation

In recent years, decreased rainfall and droughts have created wind erosion in Iran. Mighan desert is one of the critical centers of wind erosion in Markazi province. Nitraria schoberi L. is one of the most effective plants for stabilizing sand dunes. In recent years, Nitraria decline in the Mighan desert has been quite noticeable. It is necessary to establish investigations regarding the identification of causal agents in the decline of the Nitraria plant. To identify biotic and abiotic factors causing damage, Nitraria schoberi pests and diseases were assessed in the Mighan desert from 2018 to 2022. This research revealed that the most critical factor in the decline of Nitraria is the region's underground water decrease. Other factors such as pests (wood boring beetles, mice, true cicadas, and new emerging pests) and off-road driving damages are at the next level of importance.