Unraveling the defensive strategies of camel thorn Alhagi maurorum medik. For thriving in arid and semi-arid environments

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the role of morpho-physiological and anatomical attributes of Alhagi maurorum Medik. Populations from five water deficit regions in Punjab province, Pakistan, namely, Cholistan desert (KHP), Rajanpur (DGK), Thal (LYH), Patisar Lake (LAS), and Salt Range (WSM), in their adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions. The study sheds light on the adaptive components of various plant populations to cope with increasing dryness ratio. Arid populations [Khanpur-KHP (D = 44.91, P = 97.1 mm), Dera Ghazi Khan-DGK (D = 41.41, P = 105.3 mm), Layyah-LYH (D = 37.11, P = 117.5 mm) and Ladamsar-LAS (D = 34.83, P = 125.2 mm)] relied on larger roots and leaves, enhanced biomass production, ion accumulation, and photosynthetic pigments. It also encompassing larger root and stem cellular area, cortex and vascular region, thicker leaves, and numerous large stomata. Semi-arid populations display distinctive changes, such as longer shoots, higher root and shoot Na+ levels, organic osmolytes, thicker epidermis, and enlarged pith region in stems [Warcha Salt Mine-WSM (D = 8.70, P = 501 mm)]. These modifications at both structural and functional levels guarantee the survival and success of this species in challenging environmental conditionswhich will have implications for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and adaptation to climate change adaptation in arid and semi-arid regions.