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ASPIRE Research Institute for Food Security in the Drylands

Multi-Purpose Trees for Urban and Peri-Urban Food- and Feedscaping ​

Objectives​

There is a high biodiversity among woody plant species native to the UAE. The aim of this subtheme is to elucidate opportunities for harnessing native trees and shrubs for the creation of multi-purpose plantations in urban and peri-urban environments. Some of the many purposes that these plantations would have, is the provision of water-saving urban greenery, alleviation of urban heat islands, production of food, feed, and nutraceuticals, and the conservation of flora and fauna native to the UAE.

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Woody plants native to arid environments are sometimes difficult to propagate, as their seeds exhibit various levels of dormancy. To obtain sufficient homogeneous plant material for our research, we compare different strategies to germinate various native plant species, such as Ziziphus Spina-Christi, Terminalia prunioides,, Acacia ehrenbergiana, Vachellia tortilis, and Rumex vesicarius in rockwool, planting pots, and petri plates. These seedlings are tested for their performance under environmental stress and elevated atmospheric CO2.

Combatting Climate Change with Biodiversity ​

As shown in the images below, woody plants native to the UAE can be attractive components of urban landscapes. Their irrigation water requirements are much lower compared to exotic species, and they are a habitat for native wildlife, too. We elucidate whether and how these plants could also make a contribution to food security, e.g. by providing food, feed, or nutraceuticals.

Boosting Food Security With Water-Efficient Native Plants
Calligonum comosum is an attractive landscaping plant with a low water demand. The young parts and fruits are a traditional food, and the entire plant could be a good fodder for animals.
Boosting Food Security With Water-Efficient Native Plants
Aerva javanica provides attractive foliage. Its fibers might be used in food packaging.
Boosting Food Security With Water-Efficient Native Plants
Convolvulus virgatus (left) and Senna italica (right) are small shrubs with attractive flowers that are used in traditional medicine

Rumex vesicarius is native to the UAE and valued for its role in traditional food and medicine. Our team is developing strategies to improve its salinity tolerance and make it a suitable crop for farming on marginal land affected by low water quality. We tested the impact of foliar application of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg per L). Results indicated that 50 – 100 mg per L of SiNPs can improve plant growth and salinity tolerance compared with non-treated controls. This suggests that SiNPs could be developed into a cost-effective tool to improve the yields of agricultural crops.

Traditional Food and High-Tech Go Hand in Hand

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Mar 13, 2025