Publication Date
1997
Description
The purpose of this work was to study the leaf growth and anatomy of Tetrachne dregei plants when they were subjected to a winter drought period. Plants were grown in semicontrolled conditions under two soil moisture regimes: irrigated and non-irrigated. Anatomical characterization was made using optical and scanning electron microscopy. No differences were found in stomatal index, stomatal length and epidermal cell size, between irrigated and non-irrigated plants. The adaxial epidermis of water stressed plants was more pubescent. Leaf abaxial epidermis of non-irrigated plants showed more intercostal plates of crystallized epicuticular wax than that of the irrigated ones. Leaf tissue distribution was not affected by the different moisture regimes. The effect of water deficit was neither detected on plant height, nor on leaf width and length. Except for the enhanced adaxial pubescence and abaxial wax crystal content, no other xeroplastic changes were noticed.
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Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Leaf Growth and Anatomy During Winter Droughting of Tetrachne Dregei Plants
The purpose of this work was to study the leaf growth and anatomy of Tetrachne dregei plants when they were subjected to a winter drought period. Plants were grown in semicontrolled conditions under two soil moisture regimes: irrigated and non-irrigated. Anatomical characterization was made using optical and scanning electron microscopy. No differences were found in stomatal index, stomatal length and epidermal cell size, between irrigated and non-irrigated plants. The adaxial epidermis of water stressed plants was more pubescent. Leaf abaxial epidermis of non-irrigated plants showed more intercostal plates of crystallized epicuticular wax than that of the irrigated ones. Leaf tissue distribution was not affected by the different moisture regimes. The effect of water deficit was neither detected on plant height, nor on leaf width and length. Except for the enhanced adaxial pubescence and abaxial wax crystal content, no other xeroplastic changes were noticed.
