Comparison of ecomorphological and ecophysiological characters of Caspian Sea shore Tounefortia sibirica and Xanthium strumarium in spring

Littoral environment is a natural developed ecosystem with high vulnerability, which is susceptible to water pollution and climate changes. Despite the existence of difficult conditions on the littoral zones some plants are still able to overcome such conditions and maintain their permanence via interaction of mechanisms. The littoral zone ecosystems are affected by many factors such as the littoral zone raining, heavy winds, sea waves, water and soil pollution, and sea water pH as the most significant factors. In this work, the effects of these factors on Tounefortia sibirica L. and Xanthium strumarium L. were studied. Tounefortia sibirica L. and Xanthium strumarium L. The present study on these two sand growing plants indicated that, they underwent ecological and morphological changes in order to protect their lives. Tuberous and succulent stems and leaves in the morphlogical structure, increase of osmoliticaly active compounds such as proline, soluble sugars, and protein are physiological functions increasing tolerance and adaptation of these plants to stressor factors. Xanthium strumarium has very deep roots with balloon shape trichomes in its leaves. Physiological study indicated the highest rate of soluble sugars and protein in the shoots and roots. Moreover, the rate of proline in the T. sibirica''s shoots and roots was higher than those in X. strumarium. Leaves and stems of T. sibirica are covered with trichome. T. sibirica contains the rhizome structure making the plant able to regenerate via rhizome in high salty conditions. Results of physiological study revealed the highest proline accumulation in the T. sibirica’s shoots and roots. According to the physiological study, the highest proline content was observed in the T. sibirica’s shoots and roots. On the other hand, the rate of soluble sugars and protein in T. sibirica were less thanthos in X. strumarium.