Sarcocornia species grow naturally on salt marshes, are extreme salt-tolerant halophytes and
considered as a promising vegetable to human consumption due their adequate nutritional
profile, levels of bioactive components, including polyphenols, and functional
properties, such as antioxidant [1]. Targeting its commercial cultivation, this work
aimed at the optimization of the asexual reproduction of Sarcocornia perennis (Mill.) A. J.Scott ecotypes, under an IMTA system. Cuttings were collected in the
Southern Portugal
(Algarve), submitted to hormone rooting treatments, planted on substrate (coir
and perlite) and maintained waterlogged on an IMTA system with different salinities.
The plant survival was
evaluated and collected biomass was evaluated for productivity (amount of produced
biomass) and minerals, while total phenolics and radical scaveging activity (RSA)
were determined on methanol
extracts. Cuttings had higher rooting rates with hormone treatment (87,5%). Plants
had better productivity on the lower salinity. Sodium was the major element (> 70 mg/g),
followed by K, Mg
and Ca. The highest total phenolics content, RSA and copper and iron chelating
activity were observed on methanol extracts from plants grown on lower salinity.
The authors declares that there is no conflict of interest.
Funding
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the Portuguese National Budget and operational
programmes CRESC Algarve 2020 and COMPETE 2020 (UIDB/04 326/2020, PT-IL/0003/2019,
PTDC/BAA-AGR/1391/2020, EMBRC.PT ALG-01-0145-FEDER-022121 projects), and PRIMA
(HaloFarMs project). LC was sustained by FCT Scientific Employment Stimulus (CEECIND/00 425/2017),
and EF
by a FCT PhD grant (UI/BD/151 301/2021).
