Date of Defense
13-4-2026 10:00 AM
Location
Microsoft Teams
Document Type
Dissertation Defense
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
Department
Integrative Agriculture
First Advisor
Mohammed Alyafei
Keywords
Climate change, Abiotic stress, Desert reclamation, Calligonum crinitum, Plant resilience, UAE native plants, Ecological restoration
Abstract
The worldwide effects of climate change on ecosystems are glaring because rising environmental stresses from UV radiation and elevated CO₂ and temperature variations make it difficult for plants to grow and sustain productivity. In this study, we compared how these four species, i.e., Calligonum crinitum, Juncus rigidus, Pulicaria glutinosa, and Senna artemisioides, respond to UV radiation exposure alongside elevated CO₂ levels and their combined effect. These species were selected due to their ecological importance and resilience to extreme desert conditions. The study focused on key morphological and physiological responses, including plant height, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, and other biochemical markers, to assess their adaptability under stress conditions. The results revealed varying degrees of stress resistance among the species. Calligonum crinitum exhibited the highest resilience, with significant growth observed under both UV radiation and elevated CO₂ conditions. Juncus rigidus, known for its tolerance to saline environments, showed moderate resistance to UV and CO₂ stress, with reduced growth but stable biochemical activity, indicating its ability to cope with changing atmospheric conditions. While Pulicaria glutinosa demonstrated a noticeable decline in growth and chlorophyll content under combined stress. Conversely, Senna artemisioides displayed the lowest level of resilience, showing marked declines in growth and chlorophyll content when exposed to increased CO₂ levels and UV radiation. These findings demonstrate the divergent climate responses among native UAE flora, with Calligonum crinitum emerging as a key candidate for desert restoration due to its exceptional resilience.
Included in
Impact of Climate Change Factors on Physiological and Biochemical Alterations in Some UAE Native Plants
Microsoft Teams
The worldwide effects of climate change on ecosystems are glaring because rising environmental stresses from UV radiation and elevated CO₂ and temperature variations make it difficult for plants to grow and sustain productivity. In this study, we compared how these four species, i.e., Calligonum crinitum, Juncus rigidus, Pulicaria glutinosa, and Senna artemisioides, respond to UV radiation exposure alongside elevated CO₂ levels and their combined effect. These species were selected due to their ecological importance and resilience to extreme desert conditions. The study focused on key morphological and physiological responses, including plant height, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, and other biochemical markers, to assess their adaptability under stress conditions. The results revealed varying degrees of stress resistance among the species. Calligonum crinitum exhibited the highest resilience, with significant growth observed under both UV radiation and elevated CO₂ conditions. Juncus rigidus, known for its tolerance to saline environments, showed moderate resistance to UV and CO₂ stress, with reduced growth but stable biochemical activity, indicating its ability to cope with changing atmospheric conditions. While Pulicaria glutinosa demonstrated a noticeable decline in growth and chlorophyll content under combined stress. Conversely, Senna artemisioides displayed the lowest level of resilience, showing marked declines in growth and chlorophyll content when exposed to increased CO₂ levels and UV radiation. These findings demonstrate the divergent climate responses among native UAE flora, with Calligonum crinitum emerging as a key candidate for desert restoration due to its exceptional resilience.