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SEASONAL VARIATION IN ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF AVICENNIA MARINA POPULATIONS GROWING IN POLLUTED ARABIAN SEA COAST AROUND KARACHI

IRFAN AZIZ1 AND M. AJMAL KHAN

Abstract: Seasonal variation in water relations and nutrient content of six Avicennia marina populations in various creeks of the Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan was studied. Extra nutrients, both in sediments and plant samples increased with the onset of monsoon during July-August. Highest concentrations of nutrients were recorded in samples collected from Korangi creek population while lowest values were from Rehri. Ammonium and sodium concentrations were highest both in plant and sediment samples. Water potential of plants was more negative during the dry and more saline period, while stomatal conductance substantially decreased.

Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.
Department of Botany, G.D.S & C college, Orangi Township, Karachi, Pakistan.
Corresponding Author: Dr. M.Ajmal Khan, P.O Box No. 8452, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270,   Pakistan. : ajmal@botany.ku.edu.pk