Leaf Epidermal Characters Research Articles

Anatomical and Physiological Effects of Spent-Engine Oil on Two Varieties of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. from Malvaceae

The effect of different levels of spent engine oil application on germination, survival, growth, leaf anatomy, yield, nutrient content and heavy metals uptake of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus – ‘Clemson’ spineless variety and ‘OLA 3 Local’ variety) was assessed in the present study. Completely randomized design was used with five treatment levels of spent engine oil at 0 ml (control), 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml and 200 ml applied to 5 kg of soil. Data on germination, seedling survival, growth, chlorophyll nutrient and heavy metal content, as well as leaf epidermal features collected from the study were subjected to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analyses. Spent engine oil at 200 ml per pot significantly (P < 0.05) delayed seed germination for 4 days and reduced germination percentage by approximately 24% compared to the control. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, chlorophyll A, B and stomata area were reduced by 21.33-72.89%; number and dry weight of fruits were reduced by 67.4-13.58%. Number of stomata was increased on the adaxial surface by 57.73% and on the abaxial surface by 34.99%. Na, K, Cr, Cd and Fe contents increased by 0.0178-6.2698 mg/kg-1. The present study has shown that plant constituents and anatomy can be influenced by spent oil contamination. Contamination of soil with spent engine oil therefore should be avoided in order to ensure sustainable crop plant productivity and to reduce the risk of heavy metals toxicity for human beings.

Leaf Epidermal Features in 14 Species of Vernonia.

Leaf Epidermal Features in 14 Species of Vernonia.

Taxonomic significance of leaf epidermis in tribe Trifolieae L. (Leguminosae; Papilionoideae) in Pakistan

Leaf epidermal anatomy of tribe Trifolieae L. has been studied with the objective to assess the characteristics that can be used to reevaluate the circumscription and systematic position of tribe. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, leaf epidermal characters of 17 species belonging to four genera of Trifolieae (Medicago L., Melilotus Mill., Trifolium L. and Trigonella L.) are investigated. The placement of Melilotus and Trigonella in one section Grammocarpus was also reassessed on the basis of leaf epidermal characters. Presence of characteristic anomocytic stomata with great variation of size and short, unbranched, unicellular, non glandular trichomes with acute apex are diagnostic characters for delimitation of species in Trifolieae. The distributional density of trichomes varies greatly between genera and found to be highest in genus Medicago. The value of stomatal index ranges between 24.6% (Trifolium dubium) to 83% (Trigonella foeno graceum). In general, present study concludes that the variations of all traits are mostly sustained and intrinsic to the species and of promising taxonomic value. The combination of leaf epidermal characters in correlation with other traits has potential for taxonomic resolution at species level. Further phylogenetic studies on tribe, based on more comprehensive sampling will probably explain intrageneric relationships in Trifolieae.

Assessment of leaf micromorphology after full desiccation of resurrection plants

Resurrection plants are unique among higher plants because of their ability to withstand long periods of dehydration without damages. In this study, leaf epidermis and palisade mesophyll of three resurrection species, Haberlea rodopensis, Ramonda serbica and Ramonda myconi, grown under full desiccation and benign conditions, were analyzed by differential interference contrast microscopy. Detailed investigation of adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces revealed species-specific differences in the size and number of epidermal cells and stomatal density. The applied full desiccation did not cause any significant deviations of these parameters from the controls. There were no changes in the size and number of mesophyll cells as well. Analysis of stomatal patterning displayed essentially hypostomatic leaves, having stomata mainly abaxially positioned. The most significant change detected in the leaves of dehydration-treated plants was the increased formation of adaxially positioned trichomes. This increase was very high in R. myconi, where the adaxial leaf surface was fully covered by trichomes. Despite the existence of small species-specific differences, the results showed uniform desiccation-related responses of the studied resurrection species. The quantified leaf epidermal and mesophyll features are discussed with respect to their possible contribution to the desiccation tolerance of resurrection species.

Anatomical study on Commelina diffusa burn F. and Commelina erecta L. (Commelinaceae)

Commelina diffusa Burn. f. and Commelina erecta L. (Commelinaceae) are known from tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the present work, the leaf epidermal characters, midrib and stem anatomy were studied in relation to their taxonomic values. Voucher specimens collected from different parts of Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States were analysed. The samples were fixed in FAA, dehydrated in series of ethanol (50%, 70% and 90%), peeled/sectioned, stained in 2% aqueous solution of Safranin O, counter stained in Alcian blue for about 3- 5 minutes, mounted in glycerine, viewed and micro-photographed using Leica WILD MPS 52 microscope camera on Leitz Diaplan microscope. Comparative foliar epidermal features, midrib and stem anatomical characters of the two Commelina species indicated that the leaf epidermal characters showed close similarity among the species though with few distinguishing features while the anatomical features of the midrib and lamina could be used to distinguish these species. Keywords: Commelina , Epidermal features, midrib anatomy, leaf lamina

Epidermal characters of Tamarix L. (Tamaricaceae) from Northwest China and their taxonomic and palaeogeographic implications

The taxonomical position of species of the genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) has been criticized because of their gross morphological similarities (such as slender, smooth and reddish–brown branches, grey–green foliage and scale leaves), and their systematic relationships remain unclear. In this paper, the leaf epidermal features of 17 species from China are studied based on the micro-morphological characters of the epidermal cells, stomata, salt glands, papillae and epidermal hairs. According to the studies, the leaf epidermal features, together with the character of the flower, are taxonomically clearly distinct. The establishment of Tamarix albiflonum is consolidated. Tamarix korolkowi and Tamarix ramosissima have minimal differences in epidermal characters, and the former is suggested to be a junior synonym. Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix tarimensis, Tamarix arceuthoides and Tamarix hohenackeri are most similar with respect to their leaf epidermis; considering the common morphological features, habit, distribution and especially the hybridization, it is suggested that these four species are closely genetically related and that the variations among them are probably intraspecific. The new taxonomical evidence indicates the occurrence of 13 species and four variants in China. Presently, Tamarix is a typical plant of arid and semi-arid regions, but its Eocene ancestors lived in warm and humid climates in the coastal areas of the ancient Mediterranean Sea. Thus, the papillae or epidermal hairs, which are outgrowths of the outer epidermal cells facilitating the leaf to respond to water stress and commonly seen in the plants growing in arid or semi-arid areas rather than the plants in warm and humid climates, are of relatively recent origin in Tamarix. The primitive species lack papillae or epidermal hairs, while in evolved species these structures are abundant. Based on the ecological adaptations of the epidermal features, the palaeogeographic implications of Tamarix in the Late Cenozoic of Northwest China are also discussed.

Comparative Morphology of the Leaf Epidermis in <i>Ligusticum</i> (Apiaceae) from China

To investigate the taxonomic value of leaf epidermal characters in developing a classification for Ligusticum (Apiaceae), thirty-eight species (including a cultivar) of the genus were examined using both light and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that the infrageneric classification of Ligusticum based on the characters of involucel bracteoles, mericarps, and pollen grains was not supported as few epidermal characters were relatively constant at section level. Evidence from leaf epidermis, similar to that from molecular and morphological data, supports the separation of Tilingia (i.e. L. ajanense and L. tachiroei) from Ligusticum. Ligusticopsis was found to be indistinguishable from Ligusticum in epidermal characters. Furthermore, results from epidermal analysis, together with that from cytological evidence, fruit morphology as well as molecular phylogenetics suggest that L. delavayi should be transferred out of Ligusticum.

The Classification of Bambusa spp. from Celebes Based on the Micromorphological Characters of Leaf Epidermis

Species of Bambusa had widespread in Celebes, especially for Bambusa striata and Bambusa vulgaris . As an effect of the lacking of flowering, species identification mainly depends on vegetative features, and leaf epidermal micromorphology has proven to be useful in bamboo taxonomy. The objective of this research was to describe the classification of Bambusa from Celebes based on the micromorphological characters of leaf epidermis. The specimens were collected from wild population. The samples of leaf were collected from five member of Bambusa i.e.: Bambusa blumeana , Bambusa maculata , B. striata , B. vulgaris and Bambusa sp. Micromorphological characters were identified using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Leaf epidermis characters separated B. blumeana from other species of Bambusa. Furthermore, B. striata were closely related to B. maculata in variation of bulliform cells. As an invention, we release peltate hair as a new type of trichome in Bambusa. The presence of various prickles, trichomes and bulliform cells may be especially useful in delimiting species.

Phylogenetic Position of the Enigmatic Fern GenusWeatherbya(Polypodiaceae) Revisited: Evidence from Chloroplast and Nuclear Gene Regions and Morphological Data

Premise of research. Weatherbya is a small genus of subfamily Microsoroideae (Polypodiaceae) with controversial phylogenetic placements. In this study we aim to test the phylogenetic hypotheses about Weatherbya utilizing chloroplast and nuclear genes from an extensive generic sampling of Microsoroideae.Methodology. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from four chloroplast DNA markers (rbcL, rbcL-atpB, trnL-F, and rps4+rps4-trnS) of 13 genera (Phymatosorus was treated as a separate genus) in Microsoroideae and a nuclear gene (LEAFY) of Weatherbya and four related genera were conducted. Morphological evidences including characters of leaf epidermis and rhizome scales were described in Weatherbya and the mostly related genera.Pivotal results. Results of the phylogenetic analyses of both chloroplast (except rps4+rps4-trnS) and nuclear genes strongly support Weatherbya embedded in Lepisorus. The chloroplast rps4 gene includes internal stop codons in many taxa of Microsoroideae, and this gene has been reported under selection.Conclusions. Phylogenetic analyses strongly support the inclusion of Weatherbya in Lepisorus rather than Lemmaphyllum, and their close relationship is supported by similar morphology of rhizome scales and leaf epidermis.

Leaf epidermal features of Chinese Stephania Lour. (Menispermaceae) and their systematic significance

A previously published molecular phylogeny of Chinese species of Stephania (Menispermaceae) showed that none of the sections sensu Luo, recognised based on flower, inflorescence, leaf, and tuber traits, was monophyletic. In order to assess the use of an additional vegetative character for supraspecific classification in Stephania, we conducted an analysis of leaf micromorphology. Leaf epidermal features of 34 out of the c. 40 Chinese species of Stephania were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Leaf epidermal characters were found to be constant at species level, but variable among species. The distribution pattern of papillae on the epidermal cells of the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaves revealed three groups in Stephania, fitting with the recognition of three subgenera. Combined with the latter character, the shape of anticlinal cell walls proved to be useful to discriminate between sections, at least in subgenus Stephania. In addition, our results show that S. chingtungensis (subg. Stephania) exhibits leaf micromorphological states characteristic of subgenus Tuberiphania. The systematic position of the recently described S. novenanthera and of the taxonomically challenging S. excentrica within subgenus Tuberiphania is suggested by leaf epidermal features.

Growth and leaf epidermal response of three Sesamum indicum varieties to industrial effluent irrigation

The effect of industrial effluents was studied with respect to growth and leaf anatomy of three Sesamum indicum varieties (NGB 00931, NGB 00937 and NGB 00939). Industrial effluents (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) from two industries are used to irrigate the plants. Although, the control plants possessed larger leaves and longer stems than the effluent-treated plants, at lower concentration, the plant growth is relatively higher. Gradual decrease in the germination of seeds and seedling growth with increase in effluent concentration was observed. The best germination and seedling growth was observed at the 25% concentration. Leaf epidermal features (stomatal density, stomatal index, stomatal size, trichome density, tricome index, trichome size and number of epidermal cells) are more influenced in the effluent-treated plants than in the control plants from the Peace Standard Pharmaceutical Industry than in the effluent from the Global Soap & Detergent Industry. Thus the industrial effluents can be safely used for irrigation purposes with proper treatment and dilution at 25%.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 52(1), 1-6, 2017

Pyrus demetrii (Rosaceae), a new record for Turkey, with observations on micromorphology of leaves

The Caucasian species, Pyrus demetrii Kuth. has been reported from Turkey for the first time. The species was collected by the authors from both Georgia and Turkey. Leaf epidermis characters were studied by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate cuticle ornamentation, waxes and other relevant features of micromorphology.

Micromorphological studies of leaf epidermal features in populations of maples (Acer L.) from Iran

As the largest genus of broad leaved deciduous trees, Acer L. contains about 126 species distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. With eight native species in Iran, maples are among the most important tree species in the country. Micromorphological traits of 39 populations of Iranian native species indicated the value of leaf epidermal characteristics in identification and classification of maples. A number of epidermal morphological features of the abaxial surface were investigated using LM and SEM images. The occurrence of stomata in clusters is reported for the first time in Acer. The shape of the epidermal cells, anticlinal cell wall patterns, type of indumentum, and epicuticular waxes were the most significant variables in this study. The ability of quantitative and qualitative variables in segregating the studied taxa was evaluated by statistical methods, including PCA, MCA and Non-parametric analyses.

Leaf epidermal features of Quercus Group Ilex (Fagaceae) and their application to species identification

Leaf epidermal features are useful for elucidating the taxonomy and systematics of oak species. Quercus Group Ilex has a wide distribution mainly in subtropical areas of Eurasia with rich fossil records since the Oligocene, but no comprehensive study has ever been conducted on its diversity of leaf epidermal features. We compared the leaf epidermal features of 37 species of Quercus Group Ilex and Q. suber from Group Cerris using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A total of five trichome types (including three glandular and two non-glandular types) and two trichome base types were found. Leaf epidermal features of Group Ilex show typical xeromorphic features. The stomatal complexes are stephanocytic. The leaf trichome types and trichome base types are stable at inter- and intra-species levels. The trichomes, stomatal sizes and density and the ray arm lengths show a wide variation during developing stages within species. The leaf epidermal features show a highly convergent pattern in the genus Quercus based on tree-mapping analysis, except for the multiple epidermal layers on the adaxial surface supports the monophyletic origin of section Heterobalanus. Cluster analysis of leaf epidermal characters infers two morphological subgroups within Group Ilex: (1) the capitate and (2) the branched uniseriate. The trichomes and trichome base types, and their density are useful for species identification, which can improve the accuracy of assigning fossil leaves to their nearest living relatives in Group Ilex.

Comparative morphology of leaf epidermis in 34 species of Maianthemum (Asparagaceae, Polygonateae) and their systematic significance

To investigate the possibility of using leaf epidermal characters for species identification in developing a classification for Maianthemum, we examined leaf epidermal features from across the geographic distribution of the genus, including sampling of 34 species, one subspecies and one variety, and used light and scanning electron microscopy to make observations of these features. Our results suggest that the shape of epidermal cells, and anticlinal walls on both the abaxial and adaxial leaf surface have systematic significance for defining Maianthemum taxa and are congruent with clades inferred using molecular phylogenetics. The pattern of anticlinal walls in the genus seems to be related to the geographic distribution and environmental conditions. Other characters yielded in this study including anomocytic stomata, elliptic to narrow elliptic guard cells, wrinkled, striate or nearly smooth cuticle, smooth or sinuolate to erose inner margin of the outer stomatal rim, are not useful for taxon circumscription in the genus.

Effect of particulates generated from asphalt production on the morphological and leaf epidermal traits of some common plants

A comparative study was carried out to ascertain the effects of particulate matter on the gross morphological and leaf epidermal features of some tropical plants. Two populations of Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson, and Ageratum conyzoides (L.) were collected; one from an unpolluted area and the other from a polluted environment (generated from an asphalt production industry). Plants from the polluted area show marked reduction in leaf size and area, and reduced chlorophyll content in leaves. There were chlorotic and necrotic leaf spots on the species from polluted area and an average leaf area of 94.81 cm2, 15.81 cm2, and 17.29 cm2 for X. mafaffa, C. odorata and A. conyzoides respectively while the non-polluted species had no leaf spots and an average leaf area of 181.95cm2, 36.75 cm2, and 32.11cm2 for X. mafaffa, C. odorata and A. conyzoides respectively. Length and width of stomatal pore of leaves from polluted area had increased number of stomata, but the length and width of stomata were reduced by -12.89% and -08.42%, -19.54% and -28.60% and -27.50% and -37.86% in the length and width of X. mafaffa, C. odorata and A. conyzoides respectively, as compared to the leaf samples from unpolluted area. Also, epidermal cells decreased compared to the leaves from unpolluted area, while the density of epidermal cells per unit area increased. These suggest that these plants are under air pollution stress and the results are adaptive and compensated mechanism to the adverse effects of the particulate matter.

Leaf epidermal characteristics and classification of sections of {\sl Leymus} from China

The leaf epidermises of 15 species of Leymus were examined under the light microscope.It was found that these micromorphological differences shown by the lower epidermis may be applied to dividing the Chinese Leymus species into three groups.And in accordance with the external characteristics of each group,these three groups should separately belong to sect.Leymus,sect.Aphanoneuron and sect.Anisopyrum which were described by our predecessors.Moreover,according to the variation trends of leaf epidermal characters,the relationships among three Chinese sections were analysed as well.The results show that sect.Leymus is the most primitive and sect.Anisopyrum is the most advanced among three sections,whereas sect.Aphanoneuron lies between the above two sections;sect.Anisopyrum shows direct relationship with sect.Aphanoneuron,but indirect relationship with sect.Leymus.

Leaf Epidermal Features of Five Species Plants of Huperzia

Leaf Epidermal Features of Five Species Plants of Huperzia

A new species of Zelkova (Ulmaceae, Ulmoideae) with leaves and fruits from the Oligocene of South China and its biogeographical implications

A new fossil species of Zelkova is described from the Oligocene Ningming Formation of Guangxi, South China. Zelkova ningmingensis sp. nov. is characterized by leaves with craspedodromous venation pattern and drupaceous fruit type. The new species possesses elliptical to ovate leaves, bearing 7–12 pairs of secondary and simple toothed margin, as well as epidermal cells with straight or rounded anticlinal walls. The species is compared with extant and other fossil species hitherto reported of the genus. It is most similar to the living Zelkova schneideriana in the leaf gross morphology and epidermal characters, which may be suggested to be the ancestral type of Zelkova schneideriana. The discovery of Zelkova ningmingensis sp. nov. in Guangxi indicates that Zelkova has already existed in southern China as early as the Oligocene. In combination with Zelkova material from the Oligocene of Europe, it can be inferred that Eurasian Zelkova had begun to diversify by at least the Oligocene. Because China is the biodiversity centre of modern Zelkova, the fossil herein provides new insights into Zelkova biogeography.

Evaluation of seed and leaf epidermis characters in the taxonomy of some annual species of the genus Papaver (Papaveraceae)

To get a better understanding of their taxonomic importance, we examined morphological, leaf epidermal and seed micromorphological characters of 19 taxa of annual Papaver L. belonging to the sections Papaver, Carinatae Fedde and Rhoeadium Spach. Among the studied taxa, the pattern of the coat of the seed testa cells and seed epidermal cell showed large variation. The granulate type of testa sculpturing was most common, but other types were represented by one or two species. In contrast, most of the taxa have broadly similar leaf epidermal characteristics. We conclude that variation in seed characters are significant for the taxonomy at the specific and generic levels, whereas leaf epidermis morphology, with few exceptions, is mostly only useful for separation of taxa within species. Based on the results, P. lacerum Popov is regarded as a synonym of P. commutatum Fisch. & C. A. Mey, while P. piptostigma Bienert ex Fedde, P. halophilum (Fedde) Cullen and P. tubuliferum Fedde are regarded as synonyms of P. macrostomum Boiss. et Huet ex Boiss. var. macrostomum. Further, Papaver gaubae Cullen & Rech. f. and P. bipinnatum C. A. Mey. are included into the synonymy list of P. glaucum Boiss. et Hausskn. and P. arenarium M.‐Bieb., respectively. In contrast, Papaver chelidoniifolium Fisch. & C. A. Mey. var. pinnatum Tavakkoli & Assadi from Gilan province is described as a new variety, and P. rhoeas L. var. strigosum Boenn. and var. glabrum Fedde and P. commutatum subsp. euxinum Kadereit are introduced as new records to Iran. The evolutionary and phylogenetic implications of the observed variation in seed characteristics are also discussed.