Biochemical Polymorphism in Several Halophytes from Northern Tunisia

The aim of this study is to explore and identify osmotics synthesized by four perennial halophytic Chenopodiaceae: Salicornia arabica, Atriplex portulacoides, Atriplex halimus, and Suaeda fruticosa in the regions of Menzel Jemil, Soliman, Gammarth, and Rawed, which belong to different bioclimatic zones. Analyses focused on total chlorophyll, reducing sugars, starch, total nitrogen, soluble proteins, and total lipids. The results revealed the following: (i) Atriplex portulacoides harvested at the Menzel Jemil station accumulates significant amounts of starch, indicating high photosynthetic activity. (ii) Suaeda fruticosa is characterized by the highest soluble sugar content. It is therefore capable of synthesizing carbohydrate osmotic substances for osmotic adjustment. (iii) Atriplex sp. and Suaeda fruticosa exhibit the highest levels of soluble proteins, likely indicating the involvement of amino acids in the regulation of intracellular osmotic pressure.