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Aims <p>The grass family (Poaceae) comprises many ecologically and economically vital C₄ species that sustain productivity under arid and semi-arid conditions. This study aimed to evaluate structural and functional determinants of ecological success among eight Panicoideae grasses across diverse habitats in Punjab, Pakistan.</p> Methods <p>Morphological, physiological, and anatomical traits were assessed using standard microscopy and biochemical assays. Data were analyzed through correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify key adaptive traits and their relationships with soil and climatic variables.</p> Results <p>Substantial interspecific variation indicated distinct adaptive strategies. Annuals (<i>Digitaria sanguinalis</i>, <i>Echinochloa colona</i>, <i>Setaria verticillata</i>) dominated moist, nutrient-rich habitats, exhibiting smaller leaves, shorter inflorescences, and high osmolyte accumulation (proline, soluble sugars), facilitating rapid growth and transient stress tolerance. Perennials (<i>Cenchrus ciliaris</i>, <i>C. setigerus</i>, <i>Dichanthium annulatum</i>, <i>Panicum antidotale</i>, <i>Sorghum halepense</i>) thrived in saline, drought-prone soils, characterized by thicker leaves and roots, enhanced pigment stability, antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, POD), and efficient ion regulation (low Na⁺, high K⁺ and Ca<sup>2</sup>⁺). Anatomically, perennials possessed thicker laminae, expanded vascular bundles, and developed sclerenchyma, conferring structural reinforcement and sustained water transport. PCA explained 49.3% of trait–environment variation, highlighting osmolytes, pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and ion regulation as primary discriminating factors.</p> Conclusions <p>Panicoideae grasses achieve ecological success through coordinated biochemical and structural adjustments enhancing osmotic balance, oxidative stress control, and water-use efficiency. These integrated adaptations underpin drought and salinity resilience and provide a functional basis for selecting stress-tolerant forage germplasm suited to arid environments.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Structural and functional traits governing the adjustments, survival, and success of C₄ grasses in arid and semi-arid environments

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月20日

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  • Marwah Saif,
  • Farooq Ahmad,
  • Jazab Shafqat,
  • Ummar Iqbal,
  • Ansa Asghar,
  • Anum Javaid,
  • Mansoor Hameed,
  • Muhammad Sajid Aqeel Ahmad,
  • Khawaja Shafique Ahmad

摘要

Aims

The grass family (Poaceae) comprises many ecologically and economically vital C₄ species that sustain productivity under arid and semi-arid conditions. This study aimed to evaluate structural and functional determinants of ecological success among eight Panicoideae grasses across diverse habitats in Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

Morphological, physiological, and anatomical traits were assessed using standard microscopy and biochemical assays. Data were analyzed through correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify key adaptive traits and their relationships with soil and climatic variables.

Results

Substantial interspecific variation indicated distinct adaptive strategies. Annuals (Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Setaria verticillata) dominated moist, nutrient-rich habitats, exhibiting smaller leaves, shorter inflorescences, and high osmolyte accumulation (proline, soluble sugars), facilitating rapid growth and transient stress tolerance. Perennials (Cenchrus ciliaris, C. setigerus, Dichanthium annulatum, Panicum antidotale, Sorghum halepense) thrived in saline, drought-prone soils, characterized by thicker leaves and roots, enhanced pigment stability, antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, POD), and efficient ion regulation (low Na⁺, high K⁺ and Ca2⁺). Anatomically, perennials possessed thicker laminae, expanded vascular bundles, and developed sclerenchyma, conferring structural reinforcement and sustained water transport. PCA explained 49.3% of trait–environment variation, highlighting osmolytes, pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and ion regulation as primary discriminating factors.

Conclusions

Panicoideae grasses achieve ecological success through coordinated biochemical and structural adjustments enhancing osmotic balance, oxidative stress control, and water-use efficiency. These integrated adaptations underpin drought and salinity resilience and provide a functional basis for selecting stress-tolerant forage germplasm suited to arid environments.

Graphical Abstract