Leaf anatomy and photosynthetic parameters of Vellozia squamata Pohl (Velloziaceae) grown under different light intensities along in vitro cultivation

Abstract

The present work evaluates photosynthetic parameters and the leaf anatomy of plants of Vellozia squamata Pohl (Velloziaceae) in each phase of in vitro production, with wild plants serving as a control. The anatomical approach was done for the leaf middle portion. The photosynthetic curves were obtained with an infra-red gas analyzer. The in vitro plantlets showed the thinner and poorest developed leaves, the wild plants had the thickest and most developed leaves, and the plants in acclimatization showed intermediate features. The physiological pattern was similar, and the in vitro plantlets were not capable of net carbon absorption. The young seedlings at the garden showed a maximal net carbon assimilation rate inferior to the wild plants. In conclusion, the light intensity for the in vitro phase should be adjusted to produce seedlings.