Adaptive Components of Drought Tolerance in Different Populations of Cymbopogon Jwarancusa (Jones) and Lasiurus Scindicus Henrard.

Abstract

Lasuirus scindicus Henard and Cymbopogon jwarancusa are members of Poaceae family. They are both drought tolerant and C4 grasses. They are perennial grasses. Lasuirus scindicus Henard is a major source of fodder and live stock in Cholistan and Thal desert. These species can survive in arid and harsh environments. Cymbopogon jwarancusa is also famous for its aroma and medicinal importance as its leaf, and stem, extract are used in many herbal medicine. Essential oils are also obtained from Cymbopogon jawarancusa. An experiment was performed in the net-house of Old Botanical Garden, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, in plastic pots containing soil mixture to assess different morphological, physiological and anatomical adaptations under drought stress. Completely randomized design (CRD) was applied for statistical analysis. Four drought stress levels were maintained for this experiment, i.e., 100%FC (control), 80%FC, 60%FC, and 40%FC. Data was recorded for various, morphological, physiological, and anatomical attributes then it was subjected to statistical analysis for comparison of different drought levels. Most of the morphological attributes were found decreased with subsequent increase in drought level. While physiological attributes shown variation in their response such as concentration of cations found increased both in root and shoot ionic content with the subsequent increase in drought stress level. However chlorophyll contents were found decreased with increase in drought stress level. Proline and Glycine Betaine amount was increased against drought stress. In anatomical parameters metaxylem area was reduced and epidermal, bulliform cell area and sclerenchyma thickness was found increased in response to severe drought stress