Effect of lead treatment on the stipe and leaflet anatomy of <I>Pteris vittata</I> and <I>Pityrogramma calomelanos</I> (Pteridaceae: fern)

Abstract

The effect of various concentrations of Lead on stipe and leaflet anatomy of Pteris vittata and Pityrogramma calomelanos were investigated. Fernlets were transplanted into 5 kg pots of soil pre-treated with five different concentrations of Lead, adequately watered and arranged in a complete randomized design in the screen house. Pots with no Lead treatment served as control. At twelve weeks after planting, plants were carefully removed, washed and taken to the laboratory. Anatomical sections of leaflets and stipe of each of the treatments were carried out with a sledge microtome (10-15 μm). Microscopic observations of structures were made after staining the sections. In Pteris vittata, the thickness of the cuticle of the stipe increased with increasing Lead concentrations but the reverse of this was observed in Pityrogamma calomelanos. There was also significant reduction of epidermal and mesophyll cell area of both species with increasing Lead concentrations. It can be concluded from this study that P. vittata has a higher tolerance level to Lead than Pityrogramma calomelanos.

Key words: Anatomy, Cuticle thickness, Ferns, Lead, Pteridaceae.