Abstract
Genus Fimbristylis colonizes salt-affected wetlands and salt marshes of tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Populations of three Fimbristylis spp. (F. complanata, F. dichotoma and F. rigidula) were collected from differently salt-affected wetlands (HT-Treemu Headworks, least saline; JR-Jhumra Road, moderately saline and SH-Sahianwala, highly saline). These populations were evaluated for degree of salinity tolerance in relation to shoot ionic contents, biochemical, gas exchanges and anatomical traits. The JR population showed significantly higher concentration of chlorophyll a and b, and, an increased net assimilation (A) and transpiration (E) rates. Stomatal conductance (gs) and water use efficiency were the maximum in highly saline SH populations of F. complanata and F. dichotoma. Leaf osmotic and water potentials turnout to be more negative in SH population. The JR population maintained fairly constant leaf osmotic and water potentials. All SH population maintained high turgor potential. The SH population of F. complanata accumulated high total soluble proteins (TSP) as compared to counterpart populations, while in case of F. rigidula TSP was maximum in JR population. The SH population accumulated excess amounts of total soluble sugars and free amino acids for better osmotic adjustments in all species of Fimbristylis. Additionally, more accumulation of Na+, but also promoted K+ and Ca2+ uptake among all species of Fimbristylis. All Fimbristylis populations showed specific anatomical modifications at higher salinity levels. At root level, an increase in the epidermal cell area, cortical region (enhance water storage), thickened exodermal layers, efficient conducting tissues (metaxylem, phloem) were observed. Stem adaptations included increased stem radius and vascular bundle thickness, and large metaxylem vessels. Leaf modifications consisted of broad midrib and lamina. In conclusion, all these species showed greater salinity tolerance and survived up to the highest saline levels. Therefore, this study strongly recommends using these species for revegetation and phytoremediation of the salt-affected lands.
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Kaleem, M., Hameed, M. Structural and functional modifications in Fimbristylis Vahl for ecological fitness in hyper-saline wetlands. Wetlands Ecol Manage 29, 843–865 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-021-09814-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-021-09814-8