Natural distribution and phenotypic traits of Neltuma flexuosa var. depressa, a candidate taxon for the rehabilitation in the central arid region of Argentina

Dryland rehabilitation in the central arid region of Argentina is urgently needed to reverse the current high levels of degradation. Neltuma flexuosa var. depressa, adapted to arid environments, gives it the potential to be used in rehabilitation, for extensive livestock grazing and apiculture. When the soil seed bank is exhausted and natural regeneration is impossible, seed-based rehabilitation programmes constitute one of the more promising options. Thornless ecotype selection could improve pods utilization, so studies of the population distribution can be useful as a genetic resource for pre-breeding. Niche occupancy exhibits a large latitudinal extension (32–43°S), mainly in areas of salinity. All populations would have a transient soil seed bank, but seed dormancy release was lower in populations originating in more unpredictable environments, which distributes germination across years and acts as a bet-hedging strategy between seasons. We observed differences between the populations, with greater spinescence being associated with higher isothermality and lower annual precipitation (r > 80***) at the population's place of origin, showing local adaptation. We also found some thornless seedlings (1.67%) in a population with lower spinescence. However, the plastic response of thorns in seedlings, as well as later stages, should be evaluated in stressful environments.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Renzi Pugni, Juan Pablo, Reinoso, Omar Juan, Quintana, Matias, Cantamutto, Miguel Angel
Format:	info:ar-repo/semantics/artículo biblioteca
Language:	eng
Published:	Elsevier 2023-02
Subjects:	Prosopis, Distribución Geográfica, Fenotipos, Arbustos, Zona Arida, Geographical Distribution, Phenotypes, Shrubs, Land Rehabilitation, Arid Zones, Neltuma flexuosa var. depressa,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12123/13419 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140196322001847 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2022.104889
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