STOMATA OF CURRANT FRUITS

Fruits of red and black currant (Ribes rubrum and Ribes nigrum) were e xamined for stomata and surface structures by low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM; cryotechnique), using fresh specimens wi thout chemical fixation. Berries of red or black currant exhibited 10 to 18 stomata fruit-1, a number which corresponds to stomatal frequenc ies between 0.18 and 0.32 stomata mm-2. These stomata were protuberant , of the elliptical shape resembling the common type on leaves, and lo st their regulatory ability during fruit ontogeny. Stomata and surface structures are discussed as to their possible effects on photosynthes is, transpiration and fungal infections.