ISHS Acta Horticulturae 516: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 6: Culture Techniques with Special Emphasis on Environmental Implications Physiological Processes in Plants
STOMATAL FREQUENCY AND SIZE IN LEAVES OF PEJIBAYE (BACTRIS GASIPAES KUNTH) |
| Authors: | M.L.S. Tucci, M.L.A. Bovi, S.H. Spiering, S. Machado |
| Keywords: | Bactris gasipaes, peach palm, pejibaye, stomatal frequency, stomatal size |
| Abstract:
Pejibaye or peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) has been cultivated in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, since the end of 70's. Recently, the crop have been extended to marginal areas in terms of water availability. Aiming better understand the physiological behavior of the species, studies have been carried out in related areas. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to assess the stomatal size and density of the leaves of pejibaye. Fully mature leaves of greenhouse-grown ten month-old seedlings and twelve month-old field-grown plants were utilized. The stomatal frequency was determined from leaf impressions collected from intact leaves. Stomatal complex observations and measurements were done by scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that there was a variation in stomatal density among leaf components, with higher stomatal concentration on the abaxial surface of the leaflets. Values from 50 – 60 mm-2 were found for the abaxial surface of bifid leaves and from 86 – 120 mm-2 on the same surface of pinnate leaves. Stomatal guard cells varied in size, with values of length and width ranging, respectively, from 20.4 –27.5 μm and 5.8 – 9.8 μm. Within plant variability was found for stomatal frequency suggesting genetic control. | |
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