Structural-Adaptation Features of Assimilation Organs of the Species Salsola incanescens Cam. in Conditions of Kyzylkum

Abstract

The article presents the results of the morpho-anatomical structure of the assimilation organs of the species Salsola leptoclada Gand, which is widespread in the Kyzylkum desert region of Uzbekistan, and reveals the structural, diagnostic and adaptive features. In the assimilation organs, Kranz type of mesophyll was found: in the cotyledons of the Kranz-spherical (Atriplicoid) type, and in the leaf—mesophylls of the Kranz-centric (Salsoloid) and Kranz-ventrodorsal type. These revealed diagnostic features of the assimilating organs of this species in arid conditions noted C4-type photosynthesis. Based on the comparative biometric analysis of quantitative indices of the anatomical features of the assimilating organs, xero-halomorphic features predominate. Halomorphic features are in the cotyledons—thin outer walls of the epidermal cells; few stomata of the anomocytic and paracytic type; few rows of spongy cells (3 - 4 rows); few vascular bundles of the collateral type and xylem, in the leaf—large and thin outer walls of the epidermal cells; succulence of the leaf mesophyll, the presence of aquiferous cells; large palisade, keratin and aquiferous cells. Xeromorphic features in the cotyledons—small and numerous epidermal cells and hemiparacytic type stomata also deep immersion; small palisade cells and a high palisade index, small spongy, hypodermal and keratin cells; small diameter of the xylem in vascular bundles; in the leaf numerous epidermal cells and stomata also deeply immersed; presence and numerous multicellular nodular, dentate trichomes; multi-row water-bearing cells; high palisade index; small and numerous xylem; numerous peripheral vascular bundles of the collateral type. These identified specific diagnostic features showing adaptation to arid conditions can also serve in the identification of plant materials.