Altitudinal variation in leaf morphology and functional traits of sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) in Gilgit region, Pakistan
Hakeem S. Ali Z. Saddique M.A.B. Sher M.A. Merrium S. Wiehle M.
December 2026Nature Research
Scientific Reports
2026#16Issue 1
Sea-buckthorn is a multi-purpose plant that provides food, feed, fuel, and medicine. Climate conditions affect its adaptability more than the terrain characteristics. Limited research has focused on its leaf functional traits important for climate adaptation. This study characterized seventy sea-buckthorn accessions from five locations in Gilgit region of northern Pakistan (2444–3172 m.a.s.l) for leaf-functional traits (leaf angle, hairs, rolling, groove, and wettability – summarized as leaf traits and physiological traits including stomatal conductance (gs), leaf relative water content (RWC), transpiration (E), water use efficiency (WUE) and photosynthesis (A)). Leaf surface structures were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Majority of accessions at Misgar (higher altitude) showing 0–20% inward leaf rolling, medium groove, and semi-erect leaf angle had higher E, gs, and lower WUE, RWC, moderate A, and hydrophilic leaf surface. Comparatively, most of accessions at middle altitudes (Passu) indicated adaptive leaf characters i.e., semi-droopy leaves, light leaf groove, 20–40% leaf rolling, moderate trichome density with hydrophobicity (> 90°) and high drop rolling efficiency (< 15°), and had higher A (8.9 ± 1.4 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1), WUE (4.8 ± 0.4 mmol CO2 mol−1 H2O), and fruiting (~ 67%). Moreover, the positive association of WUE with fruit yield indicated high photosynthetic productivity of such accessions. Umbrella-shaped peltate leaf trichomes were 151–175 μm long, with higher densities on abaxial surface, appressed to the epidermis and two layers with overlapping rays-shields. Stomatal density was higher on the abaxial surface, mostly covered by the trichomes. This study provides theoretical backgrounds of an ideotype suited for climate resilience supporting sea buckthorn germplasm conservation.
Climate change , Leaf architecture , Leaf functional traits , Leaf wettability , Peltate trichomes , Water use efficiency
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Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Cotton Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Programs Department, Islamic Organization for Food Security, Mangilik Yel Ave. 55/21 AIFC, Unit 4, C4.2, Astana, Kazakhstan
Section of Organic Plant Production and Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Kassel, Steinstrasse 19, Witzenhausen, D-37213, Germany
Centre for International Rural Development, University of Kassel, Steinstrasse 19, Witzenhausen, D-37213, Germany
Institute of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics
Programs Department
Section of Organic Plant Production and Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics
Centre for International Rural Development
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026