Presence Of Trichomes Research Articles

Understanding the anatomical diversity of leaves in the Aspicarpoid clade: New insights for Malpighiaceae systematics

The Aspicarpoid clade represents a strongly supported group within the Stigmaphylloid lineage. The group is composed of four neotropical genera: Aspicarpa Rich., Gaudichaudia Kunth, Janusia A.Juss. and Peregrina W.R.Anderson. In this study, we studied the utility of leaf anatomy characters to support groups recovered in molecular phylogenies and define synapomorphies that can be used in future infra- and supra-generic classifications. Camarea axillaris A.St.-Hil. (1823: 10) and Cottsia Dubard & Dop (1908: 20) were used as outgroups for comparison. Dry leaf samples were re-hydrated, sectioned, stained, and analyzed using a microscope and a stereomicroscope. Characters such as presence and absence of glands, their location and morphotype, petiole and midrib contour, presence of trichomes, accessory bundles, vascular system organization and mesophyll type were utilized for species comparison, showing high taxonomic value for the group. Leaf glands, accessory bundles, sheath extension in the mesophyll and presence of druses and prismatic crystals were the most valuable characters in an evolutionary approach for the clade. Our work confirms the power of leaf anatomy as a taxonomic and evolutionary tool in Malpighiaceae Juss. (1789: 252), as well as its contribution to the delimitation of phylogenetic groups in the Aspicarpoid clade.

Role of eggplant trichome in whitefly oviposition and its relevance to biological control under greenhouse conditions.

The combined release of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) and the mirid Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) provides effective biological control of the tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)) in greenhouse eggplant. However, knowing how plants' trichomes affect pest-predator interactions could improve whitefly management. Here, the effect of two varieties with either the presence or absence of trichomes was assessed on naturally occurring whitefly populations and predator abundance in a first experiment under field conditions. Predator-prey models were developed to assess the effect of trichomes on pest and predator population dynamics under field conditions. In a second semi-field experiment, the occurrence and oviposition preferences of B. tabaci and A. swirskii in the same eggplant varieties were compared. Significantly higher numbers of whitefly and mite, adults and eggs, were found on the hairy variety in both experiments. However, no differences were found in N. tenuis abundance between varieties under field conditions. Predator-prey models showed that whitefly growth rate increased in the hairy variety. N. tenuis and A. swirskii showed different fitness parameters according to the variety, with the former displaying better performance in the hairless variety and the latter in the hairy variety. Both predators effectively controlled the increase in whitefly populations in both varieties. Overall, the findings suggest that the hairless variety is more effective in deterring whiteflies. Additionally, the higher population of A. swirskii on the hairy variety indicates that this predator benefited from both the presence of trichomes and the prey.

Lack of trichomes and variation in stomata properties influence the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis in Arabidopsis

This study investigates how the absence of trichomes and variations in stomatal properties affect the quantum efficiency of photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana during drought stress. We analyzed three genotypes: Col-8 (with trichomes and lower stomatal density), epf1epf2 (with higher stomatal density), and tmm-1 (lacking trichomes and altered stomatal characteristics) to determine the influence of these anatomical traits on photosynthetic performance. Under well-watered conditions, epf1epf2 and tmm-1 exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv´/Fm´) compared to Col-8. During drought stress, Col-8 maintained stable Fv´/Fm´, while epf1epf2 and tmm-1 experienced significant reductions. Our findings indicate that the presence of trichomes and higher stomatal density positively impacts photosynthetic efficiency under optimal watering while the presence of trichomes becomes less crucial under drought stress. Efficient adjustment of stomatal density and size under drought conditions plays a more significant role. These insights emphasize the importance of considering anatomical traits in breeding programs to enhance drought resistance and photosynthetic performance in plants.

Unraveling Calcium Absorption and Distribution in Peach and Nectarine during Fruit Development through 44Ca Isotope Labeling.

Calcium foliar applications are known to effectively enhance peach quality; however, the optimal implementation strategy regarding fruit developmental stages and cultivars remains unclear. In this study, three different moments of fruit Ca applications in peach and nectarine are tested: Early season, Mid-season, and Late season. For this aim, the 44Ca isotope was used as a tracer, enabling the quantification and location of the Ca derived from the foliar fertilizer. Stone, flesh, and skin 44Ca enrichment was separately analyzed at harvest. The results indicate that Ca absorption in the fruits from external CaCl2 applications was influenced by the timing of the application during fruit development, with Late-season applications proving to be the most effective in increasing the Ca content in the fruit, corresponding with a higher fruit size at the application moment. Nevertheless, no differences in the absorption efficiency were found between the three timings of the application. Furthermore, the Ca from the foliar fertilizer in the fruit predominately remained in the flesh, followed by the skin. The Ca derived from the foliar fertilizer reached the stone in all of the experimental situations, but the Early- and Mid-season applications resulted in the highest amount of Ca derived from the fertilizer in this part of the fruit. Interestingly, the peach exhibited a higher Ca absorption efficiency compared to the nectarine, likely due to the presence of trichomes that retain the foliar fertilizer on the fruit surface. In conclusion, the Ca absorption and distribution in peaches depends on the cultivar and timing of the Ca application.

Relationship between Salmonella enterica attachment and leaf hydrophobicity, roughness, and epicuticular waxes: a focus on 30 baby-leaf salads.

The first step in the contamination of leafy vegetables by human pathogens is their attachment to the leaf surface. The success of this is influenced strongly by the physical and chemical characteristics of the surface itself (number and size of stomata, presence of trichomes and veins, epicuticular waxes, hydrophobicity, etc.). This study evaluated the attachment of Salmonella enterica to 30 baby-leaf salads and tested whether the differences found among them were related to the following leaf traits: hydrophobicity, roughness, and epicuticular waxes. Differences in susceptibility to contamination by S. enterica were found between the 30 baby-leaf salads investigated. The lowest attachment was found in wild lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) and lamb's lettuce 'Trophy F1' (Valerianella locusta [L.] Laterr.), with values of 1.63 ± 0.39 Log(CFU/cm2) and 1.79 ± 0.54 Log(CFU/cm2), respectively. Attachment was correlated with hydrophobicity (measured as contact angle) (r = -0.39) and epicuticular waxes (r = -0.81) but not with roughness (r = 0.24). The most important wax components for attachment were alcohols and, in particular, the three-dimensional (3D) wax crystals of C26 alcohol, but fatty acids probably also had a role. Both these compounds increased hydrophobicity. The presence of thymol, whose antimicrobial properties are well known, was found in lamb's lettuce. The findings of this study can help to predict and control the attachment and contamination of leafy salads by enterobacteria. They also provide useful information for breeding programs aiming to develop cultivars that are less susceptible to human pathogens, enhancing the food safety of vegetables. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Unlocking the secrets of parasitic plants: A comparative study of the development and floral morphoanatomy of Pholisma (Lennoaceae)

Pholisma belongs to the family Lennoaceae, classified as obligate root holoparasites. Most existing studies are limited to addressing only P. arenarium. In this study, morphoanatomical and developmental aspects of flowers of the three species comprising Pholisma are described using histological embedding techniques in Paraplast and LR- White and observations by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Similarities found in the three species include the presence of trichomes on the sepals, each carpel folding independently. Each carpel has transmitting tissue, and an empty cavity is distinguished in the centre of the style. The stigma is crateriform and of the wet type. Sporogenesis, gametogenesis, and floral development follow a similar pattern in the three species. Differences among species include the position of the stamens, pollen morphology, type of inflorescence, and colour of flowers and inflorescences. In P. arenarium, the stamens are located below the stigma height, and the pollen is tetracolporate and psilate; in P. sonorae, the stamens are at the same height as the stigma, and the pollen is tricolporate and reticulate; and in P. culiacana, the stamens are above the stigma height, and the pollen is tricolporate and psilate. The inflorescences in both P. arenarium and P. sonorae are cymes; the corolla colour is white with purple lines extending from the limb to the corolla tube. In contrast, the inflorescence in P. culiacana is a capitulum type, and the corolla colour is white with pink margins. The characters found in the three species of Pholisma are compared with some genera comprising the family Ehretiaceae.

الصفات الظاهرية والدقيقة لـ Citrus reticulata Blanco المزروع في شرق ليبيا

Citrus reticulate Blanco is economically and medically important and cultivated in Al-Marj city (Libya). In this study, the morphological, epidermal and anatomical characteristics of Citrus reticulate were considered in a laboratory experiment through staining of cut sections and microscope visualization with the aim of providing detailed description of characteristics of this plant species. Morphological characteristics of leaves, fruits, and seed are very important in comparing between Citrus species. Epidermal attributes such as a variety of cell shapes, hypostomatic, anamocytic stomata, and the presence of secretory cavities on the upper surface of the epidermis are valuable characteristics in distinguishing Citrus species. Also, the mesophyll structure, the shape of vascular bundle, the presence of druses and the secretory cavities features have taxonomic value in the Citrus genus. Additionally, the petiole features, the presence of trichomes and druses and characteristics of the vascular bundles are important for determining phylogenetic relationships between Citrus species. Key words: Citrus reticulata, morphology, anatomy, secertory cavities and druses, Al- Marj (Libya).

Reproductive relationships between taxa morphologically close to Elymus caninus (Poaceae: Triticeae).

A hybridological study of biotypes of species close to Elymus caninus: E. prokudinii, E. viridiglumis, E. goloskokovii, as well as a number of morphologically deviant biotypes in Russia and Kazakhstan, was carried out. The objectives were to study the levels of reproductive relationships and the degree of integration of the species E. goloskokovii, E. prokudinii, and E. viridiglumis into the E. caninus complex. Our estimates of the seed fertility of natural parental biotypes were within 60-90 %. Among the combinations of crossing in F1, the highest seed setting was found in the hybrids formed by parental pairs from close habitats, regardless of the taxonomic rank of biotypes. The highest fertility values (55.6 and 46.1 %) were found in combinations involving E. caninus, E. viridiglumis and E. goloskokovii. It has been concluded that the biotypes of these species included in sexual hybridization form a single recombination gene pool, within which slight differences in reproductive compatibility are observed. The nature of the inheritance of the diagnostic features of lemmas "presence of trichomes" and "length of awns", according to the digenic and monogenic type, respectively, is shown. The high seed fertility of the created hybrids and the presence of intermediate forms in the F2 generation according to distinctive features indicate the possibility of interspecific introgression when species grow together in natural populations. Thus, the assessment of the inheritance of diagnostic characters makes it possible to classify E. goloskokovii, E. prokudinii, and E. viridiglumis as intraspecific taxa of E. caninus s. l. Data were obtained on the morphological and reproductive properties of interspecific hybrids with the participation of the species E. mutabilis as a possible donor in the speciation of taxa close to E. caninus. In cross combinations of E. caninus × E. mutabilis and E. mutabilis × E. caninus, lower values of seed fertility of hybrids in the F1 and F2 generations were noted compared to hybrids between the species E. caninus, E. goloskokovii, E. prokudinii and E. viridiglumis. Nevertheless, on the basis of chorological and morphological criteria, we concluded that E. caninus and E. mutabilis are independent species.

Macro- and Microscopic Evaluation of above-ground parts of Prunella vulgaris L., growing on the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Microscopic analysis of new medicinal plants is an important partition of modern science which provides an opportunity to evaluate the identity of object. This research presents the results of macro- and microscopic analysis of sprouts, leaves, inflorescences, calyx and corolla of Prunella vulgaris, collected in the flowering phase on the territory of the Ulytau mountains (Ulytau region, Republic of Kazakhstan). The purpose of this study is to determine the features of the morphological and anatomical structures of the above-ground part of Prunella vulgaris and to reveal diagnostic signs at the macro- and microscopic level. Microscopic analysis of the above-ground part of Prunella vulgaris, the diagnostic features of raw materials at the microscopic level were determined, including the shape of the stem in a cross section, the structure of the leaf epidermis, the presence of trichomes and essential-oil-bearing glands. The results obtained can serve as the basis for the development of a draft RD for medicinal plant material and can be used to identify above-ground part of Prunella vulgaris.

COMPARATIVE LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY OF ASYSTASIA GANGETICA T.ANDERSON SUBSP. MICRANTHA (NEES) ENSERMU AND RHINACANTHUS NASUTUS (L.) KURZ (JUSTICIINAE, ACANTHACEAE) FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Acanthaceae family has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, especially amongst the native communities in Peninsular Malaysia. Nowadays, many taxonomists have difficulties in the identification of the Acanthaceae species due to its morphological similarities and when there is an incomplete part of plants obtained from the field sampling. But until now, there is no comprehensive study that has been documented especially on the Acanthaceae family, specifically for A. gangetica subsp. micrantha and R. nasutus. To avoid incorrect species identification, a systematic study that involved the leaf anatomy and micromorphology parts is being used for the identification and classification of plants in the Acanthaceae. Therefore, the main objective of this present study is to identify the leaf anatomical and micromorphological characteristics that can be used in plant identification and for supportive data in plant classification. The leaf anatomical and micromorphological studies that are conducted on species studied involve several procedures such as cross-section using a sliding microtome, and observation under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The anatomical and micromorphological characteristics observed that have been used to identify each species studied include patterns of petiole and midrib vascular bundles, leaf margin, leaf lamina, presence of cuticular striae, and the presence of trichomes. The results of this study showed that the cystolith cells can be found only in midrib of A. gangetica subsp. micrantha while it also recorded in petiole, midrib, and the leaf lamina of R. nasutus. Observation under the light microscope revealed nine types of trichomes in R. nasutus meanwhile seven trichomes were recorded in A. gangetica subsp. micrantha. Other than that, the present of cuticular striae only recorded at the abaxial epidermis of A. gangetica subsp. micrantha. In conclusion, results showed that anatomical and micromorphological characteristics have taxonomic significance that can be used in the identification and classification, especially at the species level

Efecto de antibiosis, antixenosis y la variación natural de tricomas de especies silvestres y comerciales en tomate sobre el desarrollo de Bactericera cockerelli

Bactericera cockerelli is an economically relevant pest of solanaceous crops. The presence of leaf trichomes that certain wild species have constitutes important genetic resources for plant breeding programs in terms of resistance to pests. In this study, the influence of leaf trichomes of wild species and commercial tomato cultivars on the preference, development and fecundity of B. cockerelli was evaluated. The results showed that wild species were less preferred by the psyllid than commercial cultivars. Insects showed a lower settlement percentage in S. habrochaites compared to the other species. Regarding survival, the lowest percentage developed in S. habrochaites with 24% and S. arcanum with 40%. The lowest oviposition average was found in S. habrochaites with two eggs, which did not hatch, in addition to being the only species that showed the presence of glandular trichomes type IV (113.86 ± 48.1) and VIc (27.3 ± 2.3) per mm2, and its presence was negatively correlated with the number of perched adults. S. arcanum was another species that negatively influenced the behavior and development of the insects; however, these attributes were not due to the presence of trichomes. The defense mechanisms expressed by S. habrochaites and S. arcanum towards B. cockerelli can be used as a resource for gene introgression for the management of this pest by reducing its biological potential.

Taxonomic significance of fruit and seed structure in the subfamily Cassinoideae (Celastraceae)

The paper reports on the macro- and micromorphology and anatomy of fruits and seeds in 19 species representing 13 African and American genera of subfamily Cassinoideae (family Celastraceae). A diversity of carpological characters was identified: fruit type and peculiarities of its dehiscence; presence of trichomes on fruit surface; subtypes of pyrenaria (polymerous, olygomerous, dimerous, pseudomonomerous); number of seeds, morphology of the seed (shape, presence/absent of outgrowths); the ratio of parenchymatous (ground) and sclerenchymatous (supporting) cell elements in the pericarp, cell shape and number of cell layers in the seedcoat. Fruit and seed characters support the differences between genera, also reflect on their possible relationship. The traits revealed are also used to substantiate and support the recent taxonomic revision of many genera, primarily African. The array of revealed fruit and seed traits strongly support previous taxonomic decisions to define most genera of the subfamily Cassinoideae in a narrow sense. It is especially relevant in the taxonomy of the African representatives, characterizing among others the distinct indigenous flora of the Cape Floristic Region.

Microscopic evaluation, ethnobotanical and phytochemical profiling of a traditional drug Viola odorata L. from Pakistan

Background: The present study encompassed a highly traded medicinal plant Viola odorata L. (Violaceae) for detailed Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy, ethnobotany and phytochemical evaluation. Phytochemical evaluation included ascorbic acid, nutritional, and phytochemical profile, and essential and fixed oil study. Even though each feature has its own limited taxonomic value but collectively these characteristics may be systematically important especially for the discrimination and identification of complex and problematic taxa. Methods: The aim was to study microscopy, histology and phytochemical composition of Viola odorata on the basis of ethnobotanical information cited in the literature. Methods: The microscopy, and phytochemical composition of V. odorata was studied using standard methods. Results: Anatomy of the plant parts depicted dicot histology. Stomatal study under LM and SEM, revealed the presence of diacytic and anisocytic type of stomata. Stomata were numerous on the lower epidermis of the leaf. SEM of the powder drug showed the presence of trichomes, calcium-oxalate crystals, pitted vessels, fibers, trichomes, pollen grains, parenchyma cells, pith cells and root hair, but some unknown tissues were also seen. Ascorbic acid, nutritional, and phytochemical profile was investigated according to the standard methods. Different parts of the plant contained various chemical constituents such as alkaloids, mucilage, anthraquninone, saponins, tannins, fats and oil, protein and starch. Quantification of phytochemicals revealed mucilage and tannins to be the highest as compared to saponins and alkaloids. Leaves had 0.00143 % essential oil and 0.396 % fixed oil. Ascorbic acid, nutritional, and phytochemical profile, and oil study revealed vitamin C, proximate and phytochemical composition of V. odorata. Conclusion: Overall, this study can be helpful for plant taxonomists to further analyze the species for phytochemical isolation. This will improve the regulatory process and reduce the risk of a quality breach. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Histology, Morphology, Phytochemical evaluation, SEM, Viola odorata L.

Uporedna analiza mikromorfoloških i anatomskih karakteristika dve vrste iz roda Artemisia

The genus Artemisia has attracted great interest from plant researchers because of the chemical composition and biological diversity of its species. The aim of this study was to investigate general anatomical features of vegetative organs of two species of the genus Artemisia (A. vulgaris and A. absinthium) that could be of taxonomic value and potentialy relevant to the production of secondary metabolites. In this study, transverse sections of leaves, stems and roots were prepared and microslides were observed under the light microscope. The main anatomical difference between these two species is reflected in the presence of trichomes. T-shaped non-glandular trichomes are present on both sides of the leaf epidermis, and on the stem surfaces in both species. However, a much lower glandular trichomes was observed in A. vulgaris than in A. absinthium, which may indicate a lower production of secondary metabolites, especially volatiles.

Characterization of Solanum sp. Lycopersicon section for density and types of leaf trichomes and resistance to whitefly and tomato pinworm

Resistance genes to pests such as Bemisia tabaci and Tuta absoluta can be abundant in wild tomato genotypes. For breeding program initiatives, the characterization of the germplasm in terms of resistance to pests and related morphoanatomical characteristics is essential. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of different accessions of species of Solanum sp., section Lycopersicon to B. tabaci and T. absoluta and establish a relationship with the types of trichomes present on the leaf surface. Whitefly oviposition, nymphs, and exuviae were investigated in 35 genotypes. On the leaf surface of the genotypes, glandular and non-glandular trichomes were identified and quantified. Based on the results, the genotypes were chosen for pinworm testing. Thirteen tomato genotypes were investigated, including Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, two accessions of S. lycopersicum, and ten wild accessions of Solanum sp., section Lycopersicon. At 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after infestation, eggs were counted on the abaxial surface of the leaflets, and the extent of damage caused by the tomato leafminer was determined using multivariate analysis and the area under the attack severity progress curve. Leaf trichomes of the 13 pre-selected genotypes were identified and quantified. The findings for the whitefly showed that wild genotypes were more resistant than the commercial ones due to the presence of trichomes, mainly glandular trichomes. According to principal component analysis, stronger materials in whitefly tests correlated more with the number of glandular trichomes. Finally, glandular trichomes positively correlate with the genotype's defense against pests. Solanum pennellii LA-716 and S. habrochaites var. hirsutum PI-127826 were the genotypes with the lowest number of oviposition and damage caused by the moth. This trait was also related to the higher density of glandular trichomes. The results show variability among accessions of the same species for trichome density and pest resistance. This information allows the choice of the best accessions among the species when defining the parents to be used in initial crosses of breeding programs.

Examining the Anatomical Characteristics of Rafflesia kerrii in Lojing Highlands, Peninsular Malaysia

Rafflesia kerrii is an endemic species to Peninsular Malaysia and Southern part of Thailand. The genus grows without the vegetative components such as, leaves, stems and true roots, where the only visible structure is the flower itself. It is easy to identify R. kerrii by its large dull red flowers, perigones covered by numerous small white pinkish warts and a wide diaphragm opening. However, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the species’s anatomical traits. Herein, this study is aimed to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of R. kerrii in Lojing Highlands by using micro techniques analysis. The results were compared to those of a similar species found in Thailand. Four main components of flower were analysed, these are; the perigone lobe, window, processes and ramenta. The anatomical analysis of R. kerrii collected in Lojing Highlands have revealed that all the four components had simple and uncomplicated structures. Both upper and bottom layers of the plant have epidermal cell layers. The ground tissues also have an undeveloped vascular bundle. Based on the findings, the anatomical characteristics of R. kerrii found in Lojing Highlands and in Khao Sok National Park in Thailand were identical and shared similar types of main tissues. However, there are minor differences such as in the presence of starch grains, distance between vascular bundles in perigone lobe, and the presence of trichome in the compartment of windows.

Predicting plant attractiveness to coccinellids with plant trait profiling, citizen science, and common garden surveys

Lady beetles are key predators in agricultural systems and their impact can be enhanced by plant resources. Facilitation of lady beetles is a potentially effective pest management strategy but a lack of data on which plant species attract and nurture them limits implementation. Here we investigate which plant species might optimize lady beetle impact by developing a profile of plant characteristics most likely to attract lady beetles and testing if the subset of “potentially preferred” plant families exhibiting those characteristics are significantly more attractive to lady beetles than other families. This testing encompassed a combination of observations submitted to a citizen science program, the Lost Ladybug Project, and two repeated site surveys. Traits reported to be most attractive to lady beetles included the presence of trichomes that provide protection from predation, nutritional resources such as nectar or prey, and visual or chemical cues associated with those traits. Significantly more lady beetles were observed on the three plant families which most often exhibit these traits, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae, than on other families. Strategies for incorporating plants from these families into production systems to attract lady beetles and limit pest damage are discussed.

Susceptibility of Rhododendron to Azalea Lace Bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott)

Abstract The invasive azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), is one of the most damaging insect pests of the genus Rhododendron, especially azaleas. Feeding by nymphs and adults reduces the aesthetic value of infested plants. Rhododendron spp. (L.) and cultivars are a major component of public and private landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, as well as other parts of the U.S.. Variability in the susceptibility of Rhododendron to S. pyrioides has been previously examined but generally on a limited number of Rhododendron species and cultivars. We measured the susceptibility of 71 Rhododendron species, varieties, and cultivars over two years, selecting plants across the phylogenetic tree of Rhododendron, and quantified the proportion of leaf damage caused by S. pyrioides. We observed that trichome presence did not predict S. pyrioides damage. Plants from the subgenus Azaleastrum were the significantly most susceptible subgenus, and all sampled plants from this subgenus had measurable damage. In contrast, plants from the subgenus Hymenanthes were the significantly least susceptible, and most Hymenanthes plants had no measurable damage. This study provides a guideline for using host plant resistance to S. pyrioides in plant selection, and emphasizes the potential for S. pyrioides management if susceptible azaleas are to be used in the landscape. Species used in this study: Azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides, Rhododendron spp.

Foliar water uptake in eight mangrove species: Implications of morpho-anatomical traits

There is growing evidence that foliar water uptake (FWU) positively contributes to the water status of plants. However, the morpho-anatomical traits and the mechanisms responsible for variations in FWU of mangrove leaves are poorly understood. We evaluated the relationship between FWU and morpho-anatomical traits in eight mangrove species (Avicennia germinans, A. marina, A. schaueriana, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Conocarpus erectus, Laguncularia racemosa, Rhizophora mangle, R. mucronata). FWU was measured in leaves experimentally submerged in distilled water and was related to morphological and anatomical traits using a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). There were inter-species differences in FWU, with L. racemosa and A. schaueriana having the highest values, and B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata having the lowest. Three groups associated at the family level were found based on morpho-anatomical attributes: (1) greater thickness of the abaxial epidermis and specific leaf area (L. racemosa and C. erectus; Combretaceae); (2) presence of trichomes and salt glands and thicker palisade parenchyma (A. germinans, A. marina, and A. schaueriana; Acanthaceae), both families with relatively high FWU; and (3) higher leaf dry mass, leaf area, and thicker hypodermis (B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata; Rhizophoraceae), but lower FWU. Our results suggest that mangrove species take up atmospheric water at different rates and strategies that depend on morpho-anatomical traits, suggesting its differential use as a supplementary resource.

Comparative anatomical study of leaves for twelve Indonesian woody plant species

Abstract. Damaiyani J, Fiqa AP, Rindyastuti R, Lestari DA, Rahadiantoro A, Yulistyarini T. 2022. Comparative anatomical study of leaves for twelve Indonesian woody plant species. Biodiversitas 23: 3744-3754. Foliar epidermal and stomatal features are widely used as plant microscopic traits either from taxonomic or ecological standpoints. The studies on woody plants in the Malesian region which serve as the essential component of tropical ecosystems are still limited. Here we conduct a comparative study on stomatal and epidermal features of twelve important woody plant species from Indonesia using a descriptive method based on the Light Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs. The shape, size and stomatal type were revealed in all species studied. Moreover, quantitative features were measured including epidermal cell length and width, solidity (S), aspect ratio (AR), and stomatal index (SI). The study results showed a variation in foliar epidermal and stomatal traits across the species studied. Due to the presence of trichomes and waxes on the abaxial side, not all species can be measured for their stomatal index and epidermal cells. Syzygium polyanthum has the highest stomatal index and cells with complex interlocking shapes, which provide an effective strategy for reducing mechanical stress on epidermal cell walls, making this native species predicted to adapt well when it was planted in habitats with similar environmental conditions.