Efficacy of Salsola for forage and rangeland restoration

The genus Salsola is the largest species of the Salsoloideae with a population of 130 species, widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The superiority of this genus over other genera is high seed production and high forage yield. Tolerance to severe climatic conditions such as high temperatures and prolonged droughts indicates the importance of this species in semiarid and arid environments. Species such as S. rigida, S. laricina, S. imbricata, S. richteri are used as livestock forage in arid and semi-arid regions. The relatively high forage production of species of this genus (150 to 700 kg/ha) with good nutritional value (protein content more than 10%) makes these species important for steppe and desert rangelands. In addition, some species of this genus, including S. imbricata and S. richteri have medicinal value. Rangelands rehabilitation using Salsola species is possible through seeds and potted seedlings. For better propagation, seeds should be used every year for the same year. Here, the important species of Salsola along with its applications for the development and extension of these valuable plants for various purposes are presented.