Influence of Light Intensity on Leaf Photosynthetic Traits and Alkaloid Content of Kiasahan (Tetracera scandens L.)

Abstract

Kiasahan (Tetracera scandens L.) is one of the plants that people use as atraditional medicine for various diseases. This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of anatomy, morphology, chlorophyll content, and alkaloids of Kiasahaan leaf (T. scandens) based on differences in light intensity in the Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve. The survey method was used to determine the location of sampling. The location was determined based on the existence of T. scandens plant. The shaded and unshaded area had the light intensity of 5516 and 922,000 lux, respectively. Leaf samples were taken as many as three strands of three different individuals on the shaded and unshaded areas. Parameters measured were the thickness of leaf, leaf area, stomatal density, chlorophyll, and alkaloid content. Measurement of chlorophyll and alkaloids used chlorophyll meter and Mayer’s reagent method, respectively. The results showed that the average leaf thickness, leaf area, stomatal density, chlorophyll content in theshaded area were 0.048 mm, 7.086 cm2, 50.958 cells / mm2, 15.38 CCI, respectively whereas in the unshaded area were 0.076mm, 6.496 cm2, 62.678 cells / mm2, 8.86 CCI, respectively. Alkaloid content of T. scandens leaves in the unshaded area was higher than in the shaded area.