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ROOT STRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS IN THREE SCHOENOPLECTUS (REICHENB.) PALLA SPECIES FOR SALT TOLERANCE

RIFFAT BATOOL AND MANSOOR HAMEED*

Abstract: Three species of Schoenoplectus (Reichenb.) Palla collected from three different sites of Punjab, Pakistan were evaluated for root morpho-anatomical modifications. All the three species were subjected to salt stress. The salt treatments, control (0 mM salt), 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl were maintained in non-aerated solution culture. Schoenoplectus triqueter showed specific root anatomical adaptations for its better survival under harsh saline environments. Increased epidermis thickness, cortex thickness, cortical cell area, vascular bundle area, metaxylem area, phloem area and aerenchyma area in roots were critical for checking water loss and enhancing water storage capability. The dominant anatomical traits related to S. triqueter (the most tolerant among all species) were found to be increased aerenchyma area for better gas exchange and bulk salt movement. Increased cortex thickness (increasing water storage) and increased number and area of vascular tissue (increased water conduction) seemed to be crucial for its better survival under harsh saline environments.