Abstract
Grasses are known to accumulate amorphous silica (SiO2.nH2O) within and between cells as silica bodies of characteristic shapes. The position and type of the host cells are the characters that seem to control their shape and size. The present study was carried out to assess and utilize the diagnostic potential of phytolith types in the identification of grass taxa at sub-familial, tribal, generic and specific levels. Clearing solution method was employed for locating the position of phytoliths within and between cells. Dry and wet ashing methods were subsequently employed for their isolation. Scanning Electron Microscopy was performed to study the ultra-structural features of phytoliths. Micromorphometric measurements of phytoliths were carried out with the help of image analysis software (Image J 1.46r). The study has brought out diagnostic potential of phytolith types for characterization of grasses of Punjab plains. For example, hat shaped phytoliths were identified as the diagnostic marker type for Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler. However, full taxonomic potential of phytolith types for characterization of taxa can be realized only after further analysis of their physical properties and chemical architecture.
Highlights
Phytoliths are amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2.nH2O) deposits formed in specific intercellular and intracellular locations in several groups of vascular plants, notably the grasses [1,2,3]
In this spectrum of variation, some phytolith types have emerged as diagnostic markers for subfamilies, tribes and genera in the present sample
It emerges from the present studies that phytoliths in grasses display a wide range of variation in shape, size and ultrastructure which could be utilised for characterisation and diagnosis of grass taxa
Summary
Phytoliths are amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2.nH2O) deposits formed in specific intercellular and intracellular locations in several groups of vascular plants, notably the grasses [1,2,3] They show a range of distribution in plant body but leaf epidermal cells present the most common location for the formation of phytoliths [4,5,6]. Silica deposits in plants have been attributed several biological functions ranging from mechanical strength and resistance to grazing [7], to disease control [8,9], alleviation of abiotic stress from metal toxicity, salinity, drought and high temperature [9,10,11] They have been reported to regulate transpiration rates and reduce heat load of the foliage and other overground parts of the plant body [12,13,14]. The present study aims at characterization of phytoliths as diagnostic markers for forty eight grass species of the area of study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
