Integrated eco-physiological and anatomical responses of Capparis decidua to salinity and water deficit stress

The eco-physiological and structural flexibility of Capparis decidua at specific locations along an environmental gradient in the Sargodha region of Pakistan is examined in this work. C. decidua is a xerophyte that thrives in extremely dry and semi-arid environments. Shahpur exhibited the highest electrical conductivity and ionic concentrations (Na⁺ = 29.5 mg kg⁻¹; Cl⁻ = 23.07 mg kg⁻¹) indicating strong salinity stress. The most organic matter (0.83%) was found in Chak 48 NB, which indicates a less harsh environment. There were notable phenotypic differences (p < 0.001) with Shahpur exhibiting greater plant height (139.13 cm), canopy area (3.04 m²), and root length (46.17 cm) associated with saline and drought-prone conditions. Anatomical traits included thicker epidermis (29.5 μm), increased sclerenchyma that are connected to structural elements relating to water conservation. Strong photoprotective mechanisms were suggested by the Shahpur population's stable chlorophyll levels and elevated carotenoid content. PCA biplots showed clear separation of Shahpur from Chak 48 NB and Chak 89 NB along PC1, delineating the Shahpur population and directly correlating it with stress-adaptive anatomical suites. These results suggested that a number of morphological, anatomical, and physiological adaptation features provide a specialized approach to improve drought and salinity tolerance. Further research should focus on molecular pathways and metabolite adaptations for ecological restoration.