Anatomical adaptations and ionic homeostasis in aquatic halophyte Cyperus laevigatus L. Under high salinities

Abstract

Salinity is extremely hazardous to agriculture worldwide and its expanding constantly. Soil of almost 100 countries facing salinity problem including Pakistan. Cyperus laevigatus also act as salinity indicator species is a naturally adapted halophyte dispersed in subtropical regions of world. Six populations of C. laevigatus were collected from different saline habitats to evaluate adaptations regarding anatomical and physiological characteristics. C. laevigatus is perfectly adapted to harsh environmental conditions like dry barren soils, saline lakes, hyper-saline wetlands and salt marshes. Ecological success of this species is due to plasticity in physiological and anatomical characteristics to adapt variable environmental conditions. C. laevigatus is a halophyte, exhibited increased biomass production in moderately saline habitat. Higher uptake of K + occurs to compensate the uptake of Na + ion contents, a striking feature of salt-tolerant and halophytic species. Accumulation of osmoprotectants like proline, free amino acids, soluble sugar and protein contribute significantly to osmotic adjustment. Stem thickness enhanced as salinity level of habitat increased to store water in parenchymatous tissues under physiological drought. Intensive sclerification in root cortex provide mechanical strength to plant as well as prevent the radial leakage of water. Well-developed aerenchyma, increased vascular bundle area, broader vessels, small and dense stomata are critical to cope with environmental hazards. Population of Jahlar lake showing maximum biomass production indicate that this species grows better in moderate salinities. Therefore, this species will prove very useful for revegetation of salt affected rangeland and prairies by direct growth of such halophytic ecotypes.

Deciphering Plantago ovata Forsk Leaf Extract Mediated Distinct Germination, Growth and Physio-Biochemical Improvements under Water Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.) at Early Growth Stage

“…Water deficit environments are generally known to initiate oxidative stress in plants by the production of extra reactive oxygen species (ROS) [61][62][63] and antioxidative enzymes that play a protective role in reducing the metal toxicity by scavenging ROS [64][65][66]. Previously, it was shown that drought stressed conditions increased ROS production in cells/tissues, which were then scavenged by the activities of antioxidant compounds [56,65,67].…”

Combined application of zinc and iron-lysine and its effects on morpho-physiological traits, antioxidant capacity and chromium uptake in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

“…In Pakistan, aquifers have already been exhausted due to injudicious consumption of groundwater for irrigation purpose to produce crops and fodder [12][13][14]. So, there is a need to investigate some approaches to reduce the necessity of potable water in this sector.…”

S-Fertilizer (Elemental Sulfur) Improves the Phytoextraction of Cadmium through Solanum nigrum L.

“…As a result of metal accumulation, a large number of active free oxygen radicals are formed, which may be the main cause of cell membrane lipid peroxidation, and this also harms the functioning and structure of the cell membrane [76][77][78]. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production causes oxidative stress, as reported for many crops under heavy metals treatment, and is likely to be commenced by molecular oxygen excitation (O2), to generate singlet oxygen, or by electron transfer to O2 and the genesis of free radicals, i.e., O 2− and OH − [79][80][81]. Plant response to oxidative stress also depends upon plant species and cultivars, and this ROS production in plants is removed by a variety of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, POD, CAT, and APX [82,83].…”