PJB-2024-1532
Osmoregulation facilitated by leaf structural and functional traits in malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda L.) along elevation gradient
Humera Matloob and Mansoor Hameed
Abstract
Elevations possess a specific set of biotic and abiotic factors that determine the vegetation type of the region. Abiotic factors along with biotic factors in a region can change the morphology, physiology and anatomy of vegetation. Justicia adhatoda (L.) was collected from different elevations in the northern areas of Pakistan. Morphology of lower elevations (200 m) showed healthy growth representing plenty of nutrients and water along with suitable abiotic climatic conditions. At moderate levels (800 m and 1250 m) total chlorophyll reduced, however lower (200 m) and higher (1550 m) elevations showed increased concentration of photosynthesis. Proline and glycine betaine concentrations were the lowest at 200 m and 800 m. Anatomical changes like increased cuticle thickness, epidermal thickness and number of cystoliths increased with elevations (1400 m) showing environmental variability. The presence of more adaptive features like trichomes and cystoliths at low and high elevations that were linked to tolerance against environmental adversaries. Such morpho-anatomical and physiological study of Justicia adhatoda is helpful to understand the elevational adaptation in different abiotic climatic conditions, such as temperature, wind velocity, UV and soil physio-chemistry
To Cite this article:
Matloob, H. and M. Hameed. 2024. Osmoregulation facilitated by leaf structural and functional traits in malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda L.) along elevation gradient. Pak. J. Bot., 56(4): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2024-4(2)
Download
