Some leaf structures related to salt regulation in kallar grass [Leptochloa fusca (L.) kunth]∗

Former name Diplachne fusca

Abstract

The Kallar grass leaf is linear with spiny surfaces. On its margins were found spines with a broad base, and on the upper and the lower surface, vesicles or swollen epidermal hairs with pointed, capped ends. On cellulose‐acetate film moistened with acetone and pressed against the leaf surface, the vesicles appeared as bladder‐like structures located above the epidermis. More vesicles were found on the upper than on the lower surface. In young field plants, the vesicles of the sheath were less developed and fewer in number than those of the blade. Vesicles in the leaf sheath were found largely on the lower (outer) surface. Using a pressure probe, he vesicles were found to contain sap and a turgor pressure of about 0.3 MPa which decreased with 100 mM NaCl and 10 mM PEG 6000. The sheath cells which were chlorophyllous, larger and rectangular, had a turgor pressure of about 0.1 MPa, which was either little affected or was increased when the leaf sheath was exposed to 100 mM NaCl or PEG 6000. The importance of these structures is discussed in relation to salt regulation in Kallar grass.

Notes

Former name Diplachne fusca