The use of taxonomic studies to the identification of wetlands weeds

Abstract

Abstract Background Palyno-anatomy of wetland species belonging to 10 families was studied in the present research work through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to find valuable taxonomic characters. Objective This study aims to provide baseline information of the micro-morphological characters of 24 wetland species which will be helpful for further identification of wetlands weeds flora. Methods 24 weeds were collected from different wetlands of Azad Kashmir. Taxonomic tools like light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic techniques are used for the proper identification of wetland weeds. Results The results show diversity among the qualitative and quantitative characters of epidermal cells, stomata, trichomes, and stomatal pore on both leaf surfaces. In accordance with these variations, a taxonomic key was prepared by using these characters for the identification and differentiation of wetland plant species. In pollen evaluations, variations were observed among exine sculpturing, the number of pores, exine thickness, and diameter of pollens. Conclusions Based on our findings it will be helpful for the taxonomist to identify other wetland species by using these micro-morphological characters. This study also indicates that at different taxonomic levels, LM and SEM of pollen and epidermal morphology is explanatory and significant to identify plants up to the species level.