ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS: RESPONSES TO ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON POLLEN PHYSIOLOGY AND FERTILIZATION
Naira Nayab and Md Anzer Alam
Abstract
Ornamental plants are those that are grown for their aesthetic value, and as such, they are subjected to a range of environmental stressors that can affect their growth, development, and reproductive success. Environmental stressors include abiotic factors such as temperature, light, water availability, and soil quality, as well as biotic factors such as pathogens and herbivores. In response to these stressors, ornamental plants have developed a range of physiological and biochemical mechanisms to cope with the challenges posed by their environment. For example, they may alter their growth patterns. Various environmental stressors such as high temperature, drought, salinity, and pollution can negatively impact their growth, development, and reproductive success. The aim of this study is to examine the ecophysiology of ornamental plants in response to environmental stressors and their impacts on pollen physiology and fertilization. Result indicated that environmental stress giving negative impacts on pollen germination and on the fertility of ornamental plants.