The database can be used in one of two different ways, without or with registration. Registration, which must be approved by an Administrator, allows the user to add records and to edit fields within records in the database.

Searching

Clicking on 'Plant Database' provides a drop-down box that allows searching of the database in two different ways:

'Search Plant Name'  and  ‘List Plants’

To search the database, for a particular species click on ‘Plant Database’ and choose ‘Search plant name’.

Plant names are those in 'Plants of the World Online'. Synonyms have proved a difficult issue as there can be many names for some species. Where there have been recent name changes of two synonyms have been commonly used, data are merged into the current name. However, if you cannot find data on a species you suspect is salt tolererant, it may be worthwhile checking 'Plants of the World' for synonyms.

To search for a particular trait click on ‘List Plants’ and choose those criteria on which you wish to base your search (Family, Genus, Species, Plant type, Life form, Ecotypes, Maximum salinity tolerated/tested (being revised), Optimal salinity (not yet fully populated), Ionomics, Germination, Salt glands, Photosynthetic pathway, Molecular data, Microbial interactions and mycorrhizal status. Bioremediation, Antioxidants, Secondary metabolites, Compatible solutes, Habitat, Economic Use, Distribution).

Boxes displayed as small squares contain bibliographic material made visible by a flyover with the mouse and are listed at the end of the record.

Where a search is made, the data can be exported to a delimited file that can be opened in Microsoft Excel.

Editing records

Records can be edited by Registered Users and new records added. Where this is done, records are only incorporated after approval by an administrator, although re-editing a record can be done prior to approval (by clicking a link in a coloured box towards the top of the record). All records are retained in tables and can be recalled. If you wish to edit records request the Administrator (Tim Flowers) to change your status from Regular to Registered User - see first paragraph.

The bibliography

In the original HALOPH database, records were supported by data from a bibliography. These supporting data, which did not relate to particular fields, are included in the ‘References’ field. It is an ongoing task to edit trait fields to provide supporting references.

The current bibliography is derived from the original HALOPH bibliography plus a personal bibliography generated over the last 30 years (an Endnote library generated by T J Flowers). The bibliography is supplemented by records imported (on a monthly basis) from a search of the Web of Science.

New references can be added by Registered Users and associated with edited fields or new records.

Searching the Bibliography

The bibliography can be searched using the References and List References tags. Clicking on the link details will bring up more information, including a reference and a link to the online source of the publication.