Foliar Anatomy Research Articles

Foliar Morphological and Micromorphological Variation of Dioscorea Species in Terengganu, Malaysia

Dioscorea species are recognised for their production of tuberous roots and are referred to as "ubi" by the local population in Malaysia. The tubers of Dioscorea are commonly consumed by individuals residing in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia as their primary food source. These tuberous roots are particularly abundant during the monsoon season, typically observed in local markets from October to December. Due to the availability and potential of this Dioscorea species, a study about the variation in morphological and micromorphological study of the leaves of three species of Dioscorea in Terengganu was conducted in order to identify the variation in their morphological and micromorphological characteristics. The selected species are D. esculenta (ubi itik), D. alata (ubi besar), and D. hispida (ubi gadong). The collection has been done in the Kuala Berang Terengganu area. The leaves morphological characteristics such as leaf colour, leaf type, leaf shape, leaf size, leaf margin and hairiness of adaxial and abaxial surface and shape of leaves and petiole were recorded. The morphological descriptors were suggested by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) / International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). The foliar anatomical studies of selected Dioscorea were followed by the standard tissue sectioning procedures and the observation was done by using light microscopy. The morphological study shows the variations in leaf shape, leaf base, and leaf size but they have the similarity in term of leaf margin shape and leaf attachment which is all species are petiolate. The micromorphological study shows the presence of non-glandular and uniseriate trichomes which is only obtained in the D. esculenta and D. hispida. Hence, this study contributes to the information on these species, especially for classification and identification of Dioscorea species.Keywords: Dioscorea, morphology, foliar anatomy

Taxonomic significance of anatomical and micro-morphological characteristics of Silene takesimensis Uyeki & Sakata.

This study used the foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics through microscopic techniques to compare the foliar anatomy of Silene takesimensis Uyeki & Sakata (Caryophyllaceae). The species is endemic to South Korea. This study examined the foliar epidermal anatomical traits. The leaf morphological traits of the species are essential to distinguish the species from other taxa. The comparative systemic significance of the character species was examined. The epidermal cell shape, the epidermal cell wall, and the number of lobes per cell were among the distinctive foliar anatomical characteristics. The variations in quantitative characteristics were significant. The systematics of the genus Silene were supported by various microscopic methods. The foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics of the endemic species S. takesimensis have significant taxonomic characteristics to differentiate the species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Silene takesimensis, a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, has been studied in-depth. Valuable insights and knowledge were obtained about the unique characteristics and behaviors of Silene takesimensis using SEM.

Seismic stress-mediated improvements in morphometry, foliar anatomy and biochemistry of in vitro grown plants of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis

ABSTRACT Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (Cape jasmine) is a horticultural plant. It is difficult to cultivate species due to pathogen sensitivity; hence, the demand for this species is gradually increasing. Thus, micropropagation would be a convenient tool to produce quality planting material, but the higher rate of mortality constitutes a constraint to large-scale propagation. Seismic stress is one of the abiotic stresses that promote growth, structural stability, and positively affect plantlet development. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of moderate seismic stress under in vitro conditions on the proliferation of shoots, biochemical attributes (photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates constituents, free amino acids, etc.), and foliar anatomical stability of plantlets G. jasminoides. Results showed the superiority of moderate seismic stress (75 rpm for 10 min) in the improved proliferation of shoots, development of functional stomata, elimination of anatomical abnormalities, improved photosynthetic pigments and rooting efficiency, and finally increased survival percentage of plantlets after transplantation into field conditions. These findings provided evidence for the positive role of the optimised seismic stress in regulating the morpho-anatomical and biochemical traits in G. jasminoides which is an indication of the development of diverse adaptive strategies by the micropropagated plantlets to abiotic stress.

Two anachoropterid fern rachises from the in situ volcanic ash of the Whetstone Horizon (Kladno Formation, Pennsylvanian), Radnice Basin, Czech Republic

Two partly anatomically preserved axes parallelly situated on a slab collected from an in situ volcanic ash bed called “Bělka” of the Whetstone Horizon, Kladno Formation (Pennsylvanian), Czech Republic, were studied in detail. Anatomically, both axes possess a C-shaped xylem strand with protoxylem tracheids situated on the convex side, demonstrating an inversicatenalean-type anachoropterid affiliation. They are further suggested to belong to one biological species, as they share a number of similar characteristics and common structures. Systematically, one of the two studied axes retains a primitive form of foliar anatomy with the oldest known anachoropterid plant (Anachoropteris sp.) in having two rather short lateral arms compared to the long median region. Although lacking foliage information, both axes likely belong to the rachis part of Discosoropteris zlatkokvacekii Pšenička, Zhou, Boyce, Votočková Frojdová, Bek and Wang, a fern species that was recently established based on the same slab where the two studied axes were preserved. Such a combination may further indicate the presence of a new family in the late Paleozoic anachoropterid plants. In addition, selected anatomically preserved ferns from the Whetstone Horizon were reviewed, which promotes a better understanding of the anatomical variability of fern species.

Leaf Epidermal Traits of Selected Euphorbiaceae and Phyllanthaceae Taxa of Hainan Island and Their Taxonomic Relevance

Euphorbiaceae and Phyllantaceae are two of the most taxonomically complex and diverse families among angiosperm. Therefore, this study aims to identify the common, variation, and diagnostic traits of foliar anatomy and micromorphology of selected Euphorbiaceae and Phyllanthaceae taxa collected from Hainan Island. A total of 42 individuals of 38 species belonging to these two families were examined under light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A multivariate detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and chord diagram analysis were performed to visualize the variations and relationships between the species. The nonglandular trichomes were further classified into long falcate and short conical with papillae on their surface, and stellate and lepidote subentire, while the glandular trichomes were divided into capitate, subsessile capitate, sessile capitates, and peltate. The paracytic-type stomata were found in most of the species. The prominent continuous or discontinuous cuticular striations radiating from the guard cells in parallel, horizontal, or reticulate patterns were analyzed in most of the taxa. Variation was also found in epidermal cells and anticlinal wall patterns. Together, these traits are useful for identification, discrimination, and to define species boundaries at various levels. Our study will provide a basis for future studies to strengthen the systematic of Euphorbiaceae taxa.

Comparative Morpho-Anatomical Investigation of Leaves of Triumfetta tomentosa Boj. and Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq.

The plant species Triumfetta tomentosa Boj. and Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq using Standard procedures were investigated on morphological characters. The morphological assessment of the species revealed great similarities in their habit, indumentum, nature and type of stem and leaf apices. The differences were seen in their habitat and the number of flowers in the racemose inflorescence. In the foliar anatomy of the species, anisocytic stomata type, the presence of stellate trichomes on both surfaces and the presence of calcium crystals were common in both species. The differences existed in the amphistomatic distribution in T. rhomboidea and hypostomatic distribution in T. tomentosa. The number, length and width of the stomata, stomata pore and guard cells, the number, length and width of the epidermal cells of and the length of trichomes varied greatly in both species. A combination of morphological and anatomical data alongside others bring about authentication in the delimitation of taxa.

Systematic significance of seed morphology and foliar anatomy among Acanthaceous taxa

Systematic significance of seed morphology and foliar anatomy among Acanthaceous taxa

Foliar Anatomy of Three Native Species of Tillandsia L. from the Atacama Desert, Chile.

In the extreme north of Chile, the genus Tillandsia L. (Bromeliaceae) is represented by three native species, T. marconae Till & Vitek and T. landbeckii Phil., both of terrestrial atmospheric habit, and T. virescens Ruiz & Pav. of saxicolous habit. There is little information on the foliar structures that allow its establishment in arid environments. Therefore, we studied the leaf anatomy of each of these terrestrial and saxicolous atmospheric species from different altitudinal levels (1000 and 3000 m) in the Arica and Parinacota regions of the Atacama Desert. All populations are monospecific. The study considered scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and the fingernail polish technique. The surface distribution of stomata and trichomes of the species is described. The studied species presented hypostomatic leaves, with anomocytic stomata and peltate trichomes on the abaxial and adaxial sides. Trichomes are formed by a central disc of four equal-sized empty cells, surrounded by a peripheral series of several concentric rings, the innermost of eight, the second of sixteen and the outermost of multiple elongated cells, one cell thick, that form the flexible asymmetric wings. The number of wing cells varies according to the species. Trichomes are evenly arranged in long lanceolate leaf blades with smooth margins.

Leaf anatomy of Urochloa brizantha and Urochloa ruziziensis (Poaceae) plants subjected to different fertilization management practices

Brazilian agribusiness is heavily influenced by beef export. Thus, it is important to evaluate the quality and growth rate of forage species used as cattle food. Given that the structural organization of leaf cells and tissues is directly related to forage-plant growth, we aimed to analyze the foliar anatomy of Urochloa brizantha and U. ruziziensis subjected to different fertilization management practices. Experimental design was completely randomized split-split-plots. Plots were allocated to fertilization strategies, namely single and split fertilizer application. Subplots were allocated to two fertilizer doses for the carrying capacities of 7 and 10 head of cattle per hectare (AU ha-1). Sub-subplots were distributed to the forage plant species U. brizantha and U. ruziziensis. Three leaves were collected from each treatment for the anatomical processing of cross-sections, epidermal imprints and diaphanizations. Based on a parsimonious model, U. brizantha showed thicker leaf tissues than U. ruziziensis. Split fertilizer application increased thickness of the adaxial and abaxial cuticle and of bulliform cells. Fertilizer dose of the higher carrying capacity determined increased thickness of the leaf blade, bulliform cells, and regular homogeneous parenchyma on both studied species. We concluded that increased fertilizer dose and split application interfere with the leaf anatomy of U. brizantha and U. ruziziensis, providing both species with enhanced growth and yield.

Bioactive compounds and leaf anatomy of yerba mate morphotypes

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioactive compounds and foliar anatomy of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) morphotypes. The antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, methylxanthines, and caffeoylquinic acids were determined from the aqueous extract of leaves of the following yerba mate morphotypes: “sassafras”, dark green, dull green, gray, and “peludinha”. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the anatomical differentiations. The dark-green morphotype showed the highest contents of caffeine (20.4 mg g-1), differing significantly only from the “peludinha” morphotype (8.8 mg g-1). All morphotypes showed similar and high antioxidant activity (886.0 and 588.1 μmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity per gram of sample for ABTS and DPPH, respectively), as well as high total phenolic compounds content (73.9 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of sample). Although the anatomy of the leaf mesophyll is similar, the wax deposition and cuticle striation configuration on the adaxial surface differ between all five morphotypes.

Does the functional leaf anatomy of Justicia calycina (Acanthaceae) reflect variation across a canopy gradient in the Southern Brazilian Amazon?

Justicia calycina is a subshrub well distributed in northern South America. Despite its widespread occurrence, little is known about its anatomy and plasticity in different environments. Our study aimed to evaluate how leaf anatomical traits of J. calycina adjust in forest areas with variations in canopy openness in the Southern Amazon, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Forest areas were: Open and Dense Ombrophilous Forest, and Seasonal Deciduous Forest (rocky outcrop). We performed anatomical measurements in leaves sampled on 10 individuals in each forest site, with the help of usual anatomy techniques. Foliar anatomy of J. calycina showed similar pattern among the studied forests, with significant difference (p<0.05) in four leaf traits among 22 studied: vascular bundle diameter, palisade parenchyma thickness, stomatal density and trichome density in adaxial epidermis. These leaf traits showed high plasticity index, with higher values in Dense Forest and in Deciduous Forest. Even though J. calycina showed overall little anatomical variation among forest types, the few attributes that differed are fundamental in the photosynthesis process. The adjustment in leaf anatomical traits under different luminosity conditions demonstrates a degree of phenotypic plasticity in the species, which contributes to its distribution in different forest phytophysiognomies in Brazilian Amazonia.

Morphological characterization of the foliar surface in glyphosate‐resistant tall windmill grass

AbstractEven though glyphosate resistance in tall windmill grass (Chloris elata Desv.) was initially reported in 2014, the resistance mechanisms have not yet been completely elucidated. Previous research found evidence of a non‐target site mechanism limiting the herbicide from reaching its enzyme target. We investigated the foliar morphology of tall windmill grass biotypes at different leaf developmental stages and correlated these results with glyphosate‐resistance levels. The biotypes were sprayed with glyphosate and their foliar anatomy was characterized at the four‐ to six‐leaf stages using scanning electronic microscopy. Samples were analyzed for stomata and trichome density and stomatal index was calculated. The resistant tall windmill grass biotype showed lower stomatal density at the four‐leaf stage and greater trichome density at the four‐ and six‐leaf stages, compared to the susceptible biotype, which might contribute to less herbicide uptake. Both biotypes had wax crystal formations surrounding the stomatal pore in plants at the six‐leaf stage, which could also contribute to the lower glyphosate susceptibility in older plants.

Discovery of a new species of Adder\u2019s tongue fern from India with comparative analysis of morphological and molecular attributes

Eusporangiate fern genus Ophioglossum L. is commonly known as Adder’s tongue fern as its fertile frond gives the appearance of snake tongue. A new species in this fern genus, O. trilokinathii belonging to Ophioglossaceae family has been discovered from the plateau region of Rajasthan State of northwestern India. The new species can be distinguished from other taxa of this genus by its smaller habit, subglobose-tuberous rhizome, basipetal emergence of young roots, aggregation of old decaying roots on rhizome apex, fertile stalk as well as spike short and thick, trophophylls in rosette, ovate or orbicular and a unique sporoderm sculpture pattern under SEM having broad reticulations with thick and raised muri enclosing large hexagonal or irregular areas on the distal and proximal faces of the spores hitherto unreported in any of the presently known taxa of Ophioglossum. In addition, comparative study of stomatal structure, foliar anatomy and nucleotide sequence data of its three chloroplast DNA markers (trnL-F, rbcL and psbA-trnH) was carried out. In view of all the attributes including habitat, ecology, morphology, foliar anatomy, stomatal features, palynology and molecular phylogenetic data, the present study suggests that the Ophioglossum specimen collected from plateau region of Rajasthan represents a hitherto undescribed species thereby warranting its establishment as O. trilokinathii sp. nov. A detailed comparative account of the new taxon with its allied species has also been provided.

SILICON IN THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF BANANA PLANT LEAVES UNDER TEMPORARY IMMERSION BIOREACTORS

Banana is a crop with outstanding economic and social expression throughout the world, therefore, it is important to use appropriate methods of propagation. The micropropagation is an appropriate method because it is disease-free, unlike traditional methods that spread pests and diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silicon on foliar anatomy and chlorophyll content of banana plants culturedin vitro using temporary immersion bioreactor technology. Explants of ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ banana established in vitro were inoculated in bioreactors containing MS liquid medium. Treatments included silicon concentration (0 and 1 mLL-1) and frequency of immersions (every 4, 6, and 8 hours) lasting 1 minute per immersion. Cultures were maintained in a growth room at 27 ± 2 °C under LED light (50 μmol m-² s-¹) with a 16 h of photoperiod for 36 days. After that period, anatomical characteristics and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Higher values were observed for some characteristics validated in plants cultivated with silicon when compared to control. Silicon addition resulted in increased thickness of the leaf’s limb tissues, resulting in a larger mesophyll (563.122µm) which is the set of measurements of all leaf’s limb tissues, it also provided greater adaxial and abaxial stomatal density (0.108817µm and 0.305085µm) respectively, greater adaxial and abaxial polar diameter/equatorial diameter ratio (1.982 and 2.069) respectively, and increased chlorophyll a content (0.000134 mg·g-1 fresh weight) and a/b ratio (1.710425) of plants of banana ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ cultured in bioreactors.

Nitrate/ammonium ratio effect on the growth, yield and foliar anatomy of grafted tomato plants

The vigorous behaviour of a rootstock modifies the growth and yield of a plant variety or hybrid, altering the plant nutritional requirements. The purpose of this work was to study four ratios of NO3–/NH4+ (100/0, 92/8, 85/15 and 80/20%) over the growth, leaf anatomy and yield of grafted and ungrafted tomato plants. We used a fully randomised experimental block design with factorial arrangement of 2 × 4 (grafted and ungrafted plants and four ratios of NO3–/NH4+), on eight treatments in total with four replicates each, using Tukey’s mean comparison test (P ≤ 0.05). The rootstock was ‘Silex’ by Fito Seeds, with the ‘El Arrojado’ graft (variety) by Gene Seeds. The graft produced an increase in growth, dry biomass production, stomatal density, trichome number, epidermal cell density, fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit size and total soluble solids, in comparison with the ungrafted tomato plants. In most of the assessed variables, the grafted tomato plants gave their best response at an 85/15% NO3–/NH4+ ratio; while the ungrafted plants performed better at a 92/8% NO3–/NH4+ ratio. The response of the grafted plants to the different NO3–/NH4+ ratios suggests that grafting induces tolerance to NH4+.

In vitro germination, initial development and acclimatization of Cattleya nobilior Rchb. f. (Orchidaceae): an approach to curb the eventual endangerment of this exuberant, near-threatened Cerrado species

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different culture media on the in vitro germination and initial development of Cattleya nobilior, and to acclimatize this species using soybean straw as a substrate component, aiming the production of plants at large scale to reintroduce it in natural environments. Anatomical characteristics associated with development during acclimatization are also depicted. The influence of Murashige and Skoog, Knudson, and Vacin and Went culture media on the in vitro germination and protocorm development were assessed. Acclimatization was accomplished using different proportions of soybean straw (SS) and Bioplant (BP) as substrates. Anatomical studies were conducted on the leaves of plants during acclimatization. KC was the most suitable culture medium for both germination and initial development of C. nobilior. Regarding acclimatization, it is recommended that a substrate composed of 60% SR and 40% BP be initially used. Upon transfer to shade-house conditions, plants should be grown in a mix of 40% SR: and 60% BP. The leaf anatomical characteristics observed are typical of epiphytic orchids adapted to water-poor environments, which indicates that SR did not negatively affect the development of the species. The in vitro propagation of C. nobilior as described herein is efficient for its multiplication for commercial and conservation purposes and SS can be used as an alternative component of the substrate for its acclimatization.&#x0D; KEYWORDS: Foliar anatomy, culture media, soybean straw.

Foliar epidermal anatomy and its taxonomic implications within the family Euphorbiaceae in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Micro-morphological investigations of the foliar epidermal anatomy of seven species of the family Euphorbiaceae: Acalypha hispidia Burm. f., A. wilkesiana Mull. Arg, Euphorbia heterophylla L., E. hirta L., Jatropha curcas L., J. gossypifolia L. and Manihot esculenta Crantz was carried out to assess the systematic relevance of epidermal features, stomata and trichome diversity within the family using light microscope and camera. Members of this family contain many important medicinal herbs and there has been increasing misidentification of species in this family. Leaf micro-morphological characteristics are commonly used in the identification and authentication of plants. Results showed that the stomatal index varied from species to species. Epidermal cell shapes were found to be irregular to polygonal on both surfaces of the species. The epidermal cells possess straight to undulating anticlinal walls but in some few cases exhibited wavy to straight anticlinal walls. The presence of papillae was observed to be a unique character of E. heterophylla among the species studied. The stomatal types observed were Anisocytic, Anomocytic, Diacytic, tetracytic, paracytic, and actinocytic. The stomatal complex was mainly amphistomatic except for A. wilkesiana that was hypostomatic. The hypostomatic character of A. wilkesiana as reported in this paper is the first of such report as previous report found was amphistomatic. Non-glandular, multiseriate uniseriate and in some cases branched trichome types were observed only on both surfaces of A. wilkesiana and E. hirta but absent on all other studied species. This study revealed detailed descriptive micromorphological structures which could serve as a source of information and reference for the taxonomic description, identification and delineation of the species studied.

Comparative foliar anatomical and pollen morphological studies of Acanthaceae using light microscope and scanning electron microscope for effective microteaching in community.

In this study, foliar anatomy and pollen morphology of 10 species of Acanthaceae has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was aimed to highlight the role of microscopy in microteaching at community for proper characterization of plants using palyno-anatomical characters including pollen type, exine sculpturing, shape of epidermal cells, pattern of anticlinal wall, type and size of stomata, and trichome. Most of the species have polygonal cell shapes but some species have irregular, tetragonal, and pentagonal shape of epidermal cells. The largest epidermal cell length on adaxial and abaxial surface were observed in Asystasia gangetica 66.95 and 87.40 μm whereas least was observed on adaxial surface in Justicia adhatoda 36.9 μm and on abaxial surface in Barleria cristata 35.65 μm. In anatomy, species have diacytic type of stomata, whereas stomata of paracytic type observed in two species, while in A. gangetica cyclocytic type of stomata are present. Quantitively on abaxial surface, largest stomata length 29.9 μm and width 24.30 μm was noted in B. cristata. While shortest stomata length was observed in Ruellia prostrata 25.95 μm whereas minimum width of stomata was examined in Barleria acanthoides 2.05 μm. The diversity of trichomes are present in all species except in Ruellia brittoniana. Acanthaceae can be characterized by exhibiting different pollen morphology having five types of pollen shapes, prolate, spheroidal, perprolate, subprolate, and oblate spheroidal. Exine peculiarities showing variations such as reticulate, granulate, coarsely reticulate, lophoreticulate, perforate tectate, and granulate surface were examined.

Epichloë endophyte modifies the foliar anatomy of Lolium multiflorum Lam.

Systemic fungal endophytes may increase the adaptive potential of their hosts to different environmental conditions. However, the mechanisms involved in the adjustment are still an area of active inquiry. Considering that anatomical features in plants are the result of adaptation to different environments, this aspect of plants response to the symbionts deserves further research. In this work we investigated whether an asexual Epichloe endophyte modifies the foliar anatomy of symbiotic plants (E+) of its host grass with respect to endophyte-free plants (E-), using the Epichloe occultans–Lolium multiflorum system. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse and plants were grown under benign, non-stressful (controlled) conditions. Symbiotic plants showed thinner leaf blades and lower mesophyll thickness. Likewise, the endophyte is associated with a greater number of vascular bundles. The stomatal density on the lower epidermis was higher in symbiotic plants than non-symbiotic plants. Our study reveals that Epichloe occultans modifies the foliar anatomy of Lolium multiflorum. Considering that leaf anatomy exhibits characters that were selected as a result of evolution in relation to specific environmental conditions, these results are promising since they can offer information about the mechanisms involved in the adaptive adjustment of symbiotic plants.

Comparative studies of two medicinal plants: Petiveria alliacea L. and Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walter (Petiveriaceae) based on foliar anatomy

Comparative studies of two medicinal plants: Petiveria alliacea L. and Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walter (Petiveriaceae) based on foliar anatomy