Ummar Iqbal, Sana Abid, Muhammad Sharif, Sadaf Rafiq, Abdul Wahab, Mehboob Ahmad, Muhammad Yousuf
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Aerva javanica is a typical C4 recretohalophyte predominantly found in the hyper-arid saline regions of the Cholistan Desert (Pakistan) and its adjoining areas. Ten populations were gathered from natural habitats to assess adaptive strategies, aiming to rehabilitate hypersaline environments. Desert populations have thicker epidermal layers, enlarged oil glands, stomata, and trichomes, along with reduced thickness of the leaf midrib and lamina, which are essential for surviving extreme aridity. Their deeper roots and increased biomass indicate resistance to environmental stress. Semi-desert populations feature enlarged vascular bundles and thicker leaves for better water conservation, while agricultural populations have smaller stomata and trichomes and larger leaves with longer shoots. Key features include glandular and non-glandular trichomes, oil gland formation, a bundle sheath cell layer indicative of C4 physiology, vascular region partitioning by internal parenchyma, and variations in stomatal size and shape, all enhancing species survival in harsh desert conditions. Principal component analysis indicated that trichome area and stomatal area were positively correlated with soil sodium and electrical conductivity, while trichome number and stomatal density correlated with soil pH. Overall, the adaptive traits of A. javanica could provide key insights for breeding salt-tolerant crops, facilitating the successful cultivation of saline lands.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Arid Environments is an international journal publishing original scientific and technical research articles on physical, biological and cultural aspects of arid, semi-arid, and desert environments. As a forum of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary dialogue it addresses research on all aspects of arid environments and their past, present and future use.