Modulation in Plant Micro-structures Through Soil Physicochemical Properties Determines Survival of Salsola imbricata Forssk. in Hypersaline Environments

Naturally adapted populations of a leafy succulent desert halophyte Salsola imbricata were evaluated for growth patterns, and, structural and functional modifications, that ensures their success in highly salt-affected habitats. The populations were collected from five diverse habitats least saline (DWF-Derawar Fort), moderately saline (TWT-Trawaywala Toba and BWD-Bailahwala Dahar), and highly saline (LAS-LadamSir and PAS-Pati Sir) along with rhizospheric soil samples. All population showed very specific modifications, i.e., increased root cross-sectional area, epidermal and endodermal thickness, sclerification in cortical and stellar region, proportion of storage parenchyma, and widened metaxylem vessels at root level. Decreased phloem area, pith thickness, and cell area and increased stem cross-sectional area, epidermal thickness, sclerification in vascular bundles, cortical region thickness, and enlarge metaxylem vessels was recorded in stems. Leaf modifications included increased leaf thickness due to thickened midrib, lamina, epidermis and cortical cells. Contrarily, much reduced vascular bundles, mainly the phloem region, decreased mesophyll thickness, and narrow xylem vessels were observed in leaves. The populations inhabiting highly saline environment showed better growth, salt exclusion, internal structural, and increased uptake of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ in roots and shoots. These strategies of S. imbricata seemed to be evolutionary, which may be evolved in response to environmental adversities over long spanning period.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the structural and functional adaptations of naturally adapted populations of the leafy succulent desert halophyte Salsola imbricata in highly salt-affected habitats. The populations showed specific modifications in root, stem, and leaf structures, which allowed them to thrive in saline environments. The populations inhabiting highly saline environments exhibited better growth, salt exclusion, and increased uptake of certain ions in roots and shoots.