Effects of Salt Stress on Origanum majorana and Improvement via Association with Halophytes Plants: Spergularia salina and Aptenia cordifolia

This study explores the effect of salinity on the growth of oregano (Origanum majorana) and the potential mitigating effects of co-cultivation with the halophytic plants Spergularia salina and Aptenia cordifolia. Morphological parameters such as biomass and length of aerial part (LPA) were measured, along with physiological parameters such as leaf water content, chlorophyll content, proline and sugar levels. Under saline conditions, the biomass of co-cultured oregano increased by 15% compared to that grown alone, while LPA increased by 10%. In addition, co-culture resulted in a 20% increase in leaf water content and a 15% rise in chlorophyll levels compared to oregano grown alone. A 10% reduction in proline and a 25% increase in sugar concentration were also observed in co-cultured oregano compared to that grown alone. These results highlight the potential of halophyte plants to improve the salinity tolerance of glycophyte plants, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture in areas affected by salinity.