The Tarim Basin, in northwestern China, is the largest continental basin in the world, and hosts desert landscapes as well as extensive oasis agriculture. Many horticultural products come from this basin. However, since the 1950s, frequent river flow interruptions have occurred in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. Thus, the natural ecology of the basin has undergone significant changes because of recent human economic and social activities. In particular, water resource development and utilization along with climate changes have had a significant impact on the area. To prevent further deterioration of the environment, the Central Government implemented a water conveyance project in 2000. Based on this project, Chinese scientists, together with those from overseas, have conducted extensive research on the historical evolution of the area, and the physiological and ecological responses of the natural vegetation around the Tarim Desert Highway. Progress has been made in the areas of environmental protection and ecological conservation.
Populus euphratica Oliv.is an old desert tree species that has been naturalized and invades zones along the watercourses in many arid and semiarid regions.The plant species developed some plasticity to adapt to the gradual environmental gradients.The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the changes in leaf morphology of P.euphratica reflect the adaptability of the plant to the unique environment of the lower reaches of Tarim River in China.The foliar architecture,blade epidermal and internal anatomies of P.euphratica were analyzed at different sites along the Tarim River.Compared with the abaxial surface of the leaves,their adaxial surface has more hairs,a greater stomatal density and opening,higher mesophyll proportion,and increased blade thickness,palisade width,and epidermal thickness.The long trichome of the roots found at site 6 in the Yinsu section may be an adapted structure of the plants in arid areas.The mature leaves of P.euphratica have comparatively more epidermis and cuticles,well developed palisades and more chloroplasts at different sites compared to the young leaves.Foliar morphological and anatomical variability in P.euphratica may be considered an adaptive advantage that enables leaves to develop and function in different habitats,marked by strong variations in solar radiation,air temperature,humidity and water table.
