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Abstract

Plants, being sessile organisms, are constantly exposed to environmental stresses that affect their growth and development. Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, freezing, and oxidative stress induce structural and functional alterations that can severely reduce plant productivity. Amaranthus viridis L., a C4 herbaceous species of the family Amaranthaceae, is a highly adaptable weed with wide ecological amplitude. This study aimed to assess the morpho-anatomical and physiological adaptations of A. viridis collected from diverse ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Sakhi Sarwar, Shah Sadar Din, Pir Adil, Layyah, Kot Chutta, and Indus Highway. Anatomical traits were studied using free-hand sectioning and double staining techniques, while physiological adaptations such as photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities, and osmoprotectant accumulation were assessed. The species exhibited marked structural modifications, such as thickened sclerenchyma, broader xylem rays, and enlarged metaxylem vessels, particularly in populations from dry and elevated habitats. Ecotypes from moist areas, especially near water bodies and along the Indus Highway, displayed vigorous growth, whereas those from arid regions like Taunsa showed reduced growth forms. Higher proline levels in Layyah and Kot Chutta populations indicated effective osmotic adjustment under stress. Overall, A. viridis demonstrated pronounced morphological, anatomical, and physiological plasticity, enabling its persistence and adaptive success across a broad range of environmental conditions in Punjab

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