Variability of morphometric characteristics of Dactylis glomerata L. (Pooideae Benth.) leaf phytoliths at two stages of the growing season

Abstract

The study is devoted to the analysis of the morphometric parameters of Crenate phytoliths of the Dactylis glomerata L. leaf epidermis. The use of morphometry for the nomenclature and identification of phytoliths determines the relevance of studying factors that impact on the size of silica bodies. One of the possible reasons for morphometric differences may be the phenophase in which the herbarium material was collected. We collected herbarium material of D. glomerata from its two habitats at the beginning and the end of the growing season. Morphometric data of phytoliths extracted from leaves were processed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The Crenate study of D. glomerata phytoliths at different stages of the growing season shows that some parameters tend to increase, while others remain stable and may have a taxonomic potential. Finally, the increase in the size characteristics of phytoliths at the end of the growing season has been revealed. Such parameters as area, width and equivalent diameter are stable. By the end of the growing season, the phytoliths have a more elongated and irregular shape. The most stable shape parameters are roundness, compactness and aspect ratio.

Keywords

• phytoliths
• seasonal variability
• leaf epidermis
• morphometry
• dactylis glomerata