PJB-2023-169
Structural and functional adaptations in Salvadora species (Salvadora oleoides Decne. and Salvadora persica L.) for optimal functioning in saline environments
Ummar Iqbal, Mansoor Hameed, Farooq Ahmad, Muhammad Sajid Aqeel Ahmad and Muhammad Ashraf
Abstract
Two facultative halophytic species, Salvadora oleoides Decne. and Salvadora persica L., were collected from the highly saline region of the Salt Range located in Punjab province to evaluate their structural and functional modifications. These adaptations have evolved over a long period under saline habitat conditions. Each species demonstrated a high degree of salinity tolerance, employing distinct mechanisms for adaptation. S. oleoides exhibited superior salinity tolerance with enhanced growth (plant height, shoot length, leaf area) and physiological traits (high Ca²⁺ and K⁺ contents, organic osmolytes, peroxidase activity and photosynthetic pigments). These features help maintain turgor, protect against oxidative stress, and support photosynthesis under high salinity. The anatomical modifications including an increased stem radius, thickened epidermis, enhanced sclerification, and increased storage tissues, as well as oil gland formation, sparse surface hairiness, and varied stomatal orientation in the leaves, collectively enhance structural support, water storage, protection against desiccation, and regulation of water loss. In contrast, the S. persica demonstrated higher shoot biomass (fresh and dry weight) and leaf number per shoot. Additionally, elevated leaf sodium content (Na+), proline, and stress enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), are key adaptations enabling survival under severe environmental conditions. Anatomical adaptations, such as the thickest collenchyma layer, enlarged vascular region, and reduced pith in stems, along with reduced lamina thickness, increased parenchyma in the midrib, and numerous smaller stomata in leaves, collectively enhanced structural support, water retention, and stress tolerance, supporting survival in highly saline environments. These structural and functional modifications ensure the species survival and success in challenging conditions, with implications for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation in arid and semi-arid regions
To Cite this article:
Iqbal, U., M. Hameed, F. Ahmad, M.S.A. Ahmad and M. Ashraf. 2025. Structural and functional adaptations in Salvadora species (Salvadora oleoides Decne. and Salvadora persica L.) for optimal functioning in saline environments. Pak. J. Bot., 57(6): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-6(1)
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