Scanning electron and light microscopy of foliar epidermal characters: A tool for plant taxonomists in the identification of grasses. Issue 10 (12th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Raees; Ahmad, Mushtaq; Zafar, Muhammad; Ullah, Asad
• Is Part Of: Microscopy research and technique. Volume 80:Issue 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1123
• Page End: 1140
• Publication Date: 2017-07-12
• Subjects: micromorphology -- poaceae -- stomatal complex -- taxonomic significance; Electron microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; 502.825
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22909
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-910X

Abstract

Abstract: SEM and light microscopy are of special interest for biologist to observe various features of the living bodies. In the current study we observed the foliar epidermal micro‐morphological characters of 44 grass species using SEM and Light microscopy to assess their taxonomic utility for taxonomists in the identification process. The aim of this study is to use the foliar epidermal structural variations in both upper and lower surfaces for identification of grasses. Significant diversity was observed in both qualitative and quantitative characters using SEM and Light microscopy. Variations were observed in stomatal number, size, guard cells shape, silica bodies, macro‐hairs, micro‐hairs, epidermal cell number, subsidiary cells, prickles, hooks, papillae, and short and long cells. A taxonomic key is prepared using these variations for the identification of grass species. Based on these findings, SEM and Light microscopy of foliar epidermal features can be of special interest for taxonomists in the identification of complex grass taxa. Abstract : SEM and LM foliar epidermal micro‐morphological studies are important for plant taxonomists and a tool for taxonomic identification of grasses. The SEM and LM studies could be used to make taxonomic keys for fast and accurate identification of grass taxa.