Anatomical diagnostic indicators of adaptation to ecological conditions in the vegetative and generative organs of Peganum harmala (Nitrariaceae)
Abstract
One of the priority directions in modern botany is the experimental investigation of the ecological anatomy of plants. Rapidly increasing anthropogenic pollution is among the main ecological issues threatening ecosystem stability and plant diversity on a global scale. In this context, studying the adaptive mechanisms of species resistant to ecological pressures, including plants with bioindicator potential such as Peganum harmala , holds particular significance. Such studies provide not only an assessment of regional conditions but also a scientific basis for global phytobioindication, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration strategies. Investigating the structural adaptations of flora elements in ecologically pristine and phytocontaminated environments is crucial for evaluating ecosystem health. The present study is distinguished by a comprehensive approach analyzing structural adaptations of plants under contemporary ecological risks, thereby integrating regional observations into the study of global env i ronmental challenges. Plant samples naturally occurring in the study areas were collected, fixed, and subjected to anatomical sectioning. Transverse sections obtained using a microtome were treated with histochemical reagents and processed into perm a nent preparations. Statistical analysis of micrometric parameters recorded during microscopic examination revealed significant differences among the samples. Notably, in plants collected from the Aghdam Industrial Park, massive accumulation of yellow-pigmented intracellular inclusions was microscopically confirmed in the palisade parenchyma of leaves, the prosenchymatous tissue of the petiole, the palisade cell layer of the sepal, and the chlorenchyma of the stem and pedicel. Parenchymatic inclusions were also observed. Idioblasts were recorded in both leaves and sepals of these samples. Statistical measurements indicated that in the Aghdam specimens, the thickness of chloroplast-containing parenchyma layers in leaves, petioles, and sepals was greater, whereas in the Zangilan specimens, the epidermal cell size and the thickness of their outer periclinal walls were higher across all above-ground vegetative organs. In seeds from Zangilan, the aleurone layer was better developed, while in the Aghdam seeds, a thicker endotesta and accumulation of non-specific intracellular inclusions were observed, demonstrating that structural variabil i ty occurs under differing environmental conditions. Root samples from Aghdam showed more compact tissue organization, particularly a thicker periderm and stronger sclerenchyma development. These findings highlight the plant’s high adaptive capa c ity and visually confirm the localization of non-specific inclusions at the anatomical level. The accumulation of such inclusions in medicinal plants exposed to phytocontamination may pose risks to their medicinal use. Given that P. harmala is widely employed as a medicinal plant, investigating non-specific deposits within its internal structures under contaminated conditions provides essential scientific evidence for assessing the ecological safety of medicinal plants and for selecting appropriate cultivation environments.References
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