Adaptive strategies modulated by microstructural and functional modifications in common reeds across aquatic habitats

Abstract

The adaptive strategies of common reeds (Phragmites karka and Arundo donax) is fundamental to exploring plant interactions to environment across heterogeneous aquatic habitats. Both common species are the most widely distributed species in different aquatic habitats, by the adapting the morpho-anatomical as well as functional strategies. This study conducted from 6 different habitats of Faisalabad such as Fish Pond UAF, Gat Wala Forest, Canal Bank FSD, Water Channel Canal Road, Water Channel Malkhan Wala and Water Channel Sitana Road of Faisalabad Pakistan. The selected plant species showed adaptive traits in morphology such as leaf area, shoot length, inflorescence length, and root length varied with species and habitats. The anatomical features of roots such as epidermal thickness, endodermal thickness, cortical thickness, and stellar region thickness, as well as aerenchyma and metaxylem areas, varied greatly between species and habitats. Stem parameters, including epidermal thickness, vascular bundle size, sclerenchyma, and phloem area, also showed significant site specific adaptive strategies. The leaf also played an important role in survival of these plants in diversified habitats in the form changes particularly lamina thickness, midrib thickness, vascular bundle cell area, parenchyma cell area, and stomatal densities, which were strongly influenced by habitat. Physiological parameters, including proline, glycine betaine, soluble sugars, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD), exhibited clear species and habitat related variation. Ion concentrations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺) in shoots and roots further highlighted adaptive responses to environmental conditions, with P. karka generally performing better in Fish Pond UAF and Canal Bank FSD sites, while A. donax showed stronger responses at Water Channel Sitana Road and Water Channel Canal Road habitats. These results emphasize the remarkable adaptive strategies of the common reeds in different habitats.