Phytotomy of ten accessions of Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the leaf epidermal and anatomical features of the stem and petiole of ten Nigerian accessions (Tvsu30, Tvsu173, Tvsu258, Tvsu278, Tvsu282, Tvsu362, Tvsu596, Tvsu600, Tvsu633 and PHC-001) of Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc. Foliar epidermal peels collected from matured plants were peeled and stained with alcian blue while stem and petiole obtained from matured plants in the field were stained and mounted on slide and observed under the microscope and microphotographs were taken. Results of the epidermal studies revealed paracytic stomata with polygonal cells on the abaxial surface. The ten accession had foliar epidermal traits in common but varied in the number of vascular bundles present in the stem. The stem anatomy revealed 13 collateral vascular bundles for Tvsu633, 14 for Tvsu30, Tvsu362, 15 collateral vascular bundles for Tvsu 597 and 16 collateral vascular bundles for, Tvsu173, Tvsu258, Tvsu278, Tvsu282 and Tvsu600. The petiole revealed a winged petal with 5 collateral vascular bundles for all the accessions. These foliar epidermal and anatomical characteristics provide information for maintaining them as accessions.