Abstract
The eophylls (first photosynthetic leaves) of palm trees play crucial roles in seedling establishment, although information concerning their development and ecophysiology remain scarce. This work sought to evaluate eophyll development and the effects of shading on young plants of the neotropical oil palm Attalea vitrivir. Eophyll ontogenesis was characterized, and the effects of shading levels (0, 58, 73 and 93%) on their anatomy, histochemistry, and seedling development where evaluated. Photosynthetic responses were compared between plants exposed to full sunlight or shade. After germination, the cotyledonary petiole elongates downward, which promotes the burial of the vegetative axis. Two eophylls are formed by the apical meristem, and they develop a short petiole and a much-folded blade that grows through the action of a basal meristem. The eophylls emerge below soil level and show a typical leaf structure and an intense and diverse vasculature. Shading levels do not affect blade tissue thicknesses, stomatal density, or the presence of primary and secondary metabolic compounds. A low photosynthetic performance under shade conditions is compensated by greater blade growth, so that plant development is not affected by shading. The ontogenesis of A. vitrivir eophylls below the soil surface and their response to shading contributes to seedling establishment and the adaptation of the species to seasonal and anthropized environments.
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