Abstract

FERRAROTTO, María  and  JAUREGUI, Damelis. Relation between anatomical features of the petiole of Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae) and nyctinastic movement. Polibotánica [online]. 2008, n.26, pp.127-135. ISSN 1405-2768.

Structural characteristics of the petiole of Crotalaria juncea L. were studied in order to describe anatomical features related to the phenomenon of nyctinastic movement in the absence of a pulvinus. We examined fully expanded, completely erect leaves from 35-and 46-day-old plants. Free-hand sections were made at the proximal and distal ends of petioles, stained with toluidine blue and observed with light microscopy. Differences in cellular contour, cell disposition and volume were observed mainly in the cortical region of the distal end in open and closed leaves. Changes in volume of cells in this region should indicate that for the species studied foliar nyctinastic movement occurs in response to changes in cell turgor during the day-night sequence.

Keywords : Crotalaria juncea; nyctinasty; anatomy; petiole.

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