Modulation of physiological plasticity through structural and functional modifications in Stipagrostis plumosa L. for adaptability to hyper-arid environments

The role of morpho-physiological attributes along with the antioxidant potential Stipagrostis plumosa L. populations collected from arid regions in adaptability to aridity was evaluated. Root shoot length, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and organic osmolytes (total free amino acids, total soluble proteins, glycinebetaine, proline) increased more activities enzymes (APX, CAT, POD, SOD). fresh:dry weight ratio leaf area decreased increasing dryness (D: 8.40?30.49) decreasing precipitation (519 mm 143 mm). Hyperarid [Noorpur Thal - NpT 10.90; P: 400 mm) Cholistan Cho (D:30.49; mm)] relied on reduced plant biomass, longer roots, higher accumulation osmolytes, better compartmentation ions root shoot. epidermal thicknesses, cell area, proportion cortical parenchyma, metaxylem abaxial stomatal density significantly while stem epidermis thickness, relatively less [Neela WahnNeW 8.40; 519 Kallar Kahar-KKr 8.99; 485 mm)]. In conclusion, survival S. under water deficit directly linked plasticity anatomical traits such as hairs, thick leaves, intense sclerification roots epidermis, cortex endodermis, vascular bundle. These not only accounted for movement solutes but also help conserve provided mechanical strength hyperarid environments.