A method of estimating stomatal density in Paspalum notatum (Poaceae)

Stomatal density was recorded on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of Paspa lum notatum var. notatum Flugge. As in other Poaceae, stomata observation a nd counting were very difficult from a frontal view because of the morpholo gy of the P. notatum (bahiagrass) leaves: the leaf blade is extremely sinuo us on its adaxial surface and trichomes or papillae can hide the stomata. T he stomatal number per unit area was determined on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces by using two methods: frontal view and leaf blade cross-sect ion. From these results, we concluded that the use of a cross-section to de termine the stomatal density in these plants is the most suitable. Such a m ethod can be used for any plants with stomata organised in longitudinal row s and having a morphological character that makes observation of the stomat a difficult.