Effects of dust on some morphological and physiological parameters in Bromus tomentellus and Medicago sativa

In recent years, dust has had a significant impact on some of the morphological and physiological characteristics of plant species. In this study, the effect of simulated dust on morphological traits of Bromus tomentellus and Medicago sativa like plant height, SLA, aboveground and belowground biomass, root volume and length and physiological traits such as chlorophyll, gas exchange, and electrolyte leakage were studied. In B. tomentellus, dust caused to increased height; however, in M. sativa, dust had no significant effect on plant height. SLA and aboveground biomass were not influenced by dust in the study species. The below-ground biomass increased in M. sativa but no difference was observed between control and dust treatments in B. tomentellus. In M. sativa, the root volume and root length increased. In B. tomentellus, the root volume increased, but no significant difference was observed in root length. Dust had no significant effect on chlorophylls for both species; however, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were reduced. Transpiration decreased in M. sativa but no significant effect was found for B. tomentellus. In general, dust, especially for legume species, limits physiological activity, and the study species become compatible with stress conditions through increasing the below-ground biomass.