A record of seed germination, distribution pattern and effect of premonsoon season variability on quantitative leaf anatomy of Mollugo nudicaulis Lam. a C2 species from tropical Desert Climate

Abstract

Abstract In rapid climate change how C3-C4 plants will respond this is the question of study. Here, we present Mollugo nudicaulis Lam., a C3-C4 intermediate species known for C2 type photosynthesis as a model plant in the tropics. Therefore, to know the functionality and habit of M. nudicaulis in ambient climate, we analyzed the leaf anatomy quantitatively, recorded the local dispersion variance pattern of species, seed production potential (seed output per plant) and seed germination pattern. Natural and man-altered sites were explored to see the distribution of the plant. Seed output per plant was calculated. Cross-sections of mature leaves were observed. We compared ex vivo and in vitro seed germination profile by applying of primary dormancy breaking methods including –imbibition, scarification, and cold stratification to different time regime. M. nudicaulis follows the clump distribution in natural area due to hydrochory dispersion of seeds. In nature plant thrives in high organic rich sites. In ex situ germination, the acid scarification (physical change) and the cold stratification (physiological change) showed significant enhancement in germination after breaking of dormancy. The leaf anatomy showed variations in the number and the area of leaf mesophyll cells and the thickness of leaf as per fluctuation in average temperature, pressure, and humidity in a year. More palisade cells found in the leaves cross-section when the year recorded for average high temperature and more frequent rainfall. We found a correlation between the mesophyll cells in leaves and pre-monsoonal season variability for C3-C4 intermediate plant. The study adds supportive results in climate change impact on plant physiology and adaptation.