Scanning electron and light microscopy of foliar epidermal characters: A tool for plant taxonomists in the identification of grasses

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.