Leaf anatomy and C4 photosynthetic enzymes in three reed ecotypes

Differences in leaf interveinal distances, chloroplasts distribution in bundle sheath cells (BSC) and activities of C-4 photosynthetic enzymes in the leaves of three ecotypes of Phragmites communis Trinius, namely swamp reed (SR), heavy salt meadow reed (HSMR) and dune reed (DR), occurring in the desert region of northwest China were investigated. The two terrestrial ecotypes, DR and HSMR, had denser vascular system, more and longer BSC chloroplasts and higher capacity of CO2 concentrating mechanism of NAD-ME subtype as compared with the SR ecotype. The enhanced NADP-ME pathway in the HSMR might contribute to its adaptation to the salinity habitat.