A method of estimating stomatal density in Paspalum notatum (Poaceae)

Abstract

Stomatal density was recorded on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of Paspalum notatum var. notatum FlÜgge. As in other Poaceae, stomata observation and counting were very difficult from a frontal view because of the morphology of the P. notatum (bahiagrass) leaves: the leaf blade is extremely sinuous on its adaxial surface and trichomes or papillae can hide the stomata. The stomatal number per unit area was determined on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces by using two methods: frontal view and leaf blade cross-section. From these results, we concluded that the use of a cross-section to determine the stomatal density in these plants is the most suitable. Such a method can be used for any plants with stomata organised in longitudinal rows and having a morphological character that makes observation of the stomata difficult.