Author/Authors :
Al-Khalifah, Nailer S. King Abdulaziz university of Science Technology , Nasroun, Tagedia H. King Abdulaziz university of Science Technology , Al-Abdulkader, Ahmed M. King Abdulaziz university of Science Technology , al-farhan, ahmed.h King Saud University , shanavaskhan, a.e. King Abdulaziz university of Science Technology
Abstract :
Local multipurpose trees and shrubs are important natural resources which help arid land populations to solve their major problems, namely, shortage of food, fodder, firewood and various problems related to the harsh environmental conditions. The high demand for firewood and pasture in these areas cause a high pressure on the vegetation cover, leading to its degradation and extinction of some of its components. This situation, in addition to the harsh environmental conditions, make the natural regeneration of the components of these ecosystems very difficult. This calls for artificial regeneration, for the rehabilitation of degraded areas and planting new areas using native species as much as possible. However, most of the native species, including gadha and erta, were not used in afforestation programs, due to the lack of adequate information about their biological characteristics. This paper covers the important problems facing the regeneration of two multipurpose native shrubs and reviews the attempts being made to overcome these problems. The two species include gadha, Haloxylon persicum and erta, Calligonum comosum. The paper also summarizes the current investigations being carried out by the authors for gathering the necessary information about the biology of these two species, which will help in improving their regeneration, growth and productivity. Successful results were obtained with most of the propagation methods which will be evaluated at a later stage with the aim of choosing the easiest and least costly method for practical applications.
