STOMATA CONSTELLATION IN LEAVES OF COTTON, MAIZE AND WHEAT PLANTS AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL MOISTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

In two locations, one subtropical and the other semidesert, the following three agricultural plant species were studied: cotton, maize and wheat. In each zone species were examined in irrigated and nonirrigated experimental plols for four leaf parameters: density of stomata and epidermis cells and length of stomala and leaf area. The following conclusions follow from the results: 1) The water deficit in the soil accompanied by extreme climatic conditions (August‐September) led to a significant increment in the density of stomata and epidermis cells; in some of the varieties a decrease in length of stomata was observed. The decrease in leaf area in the nonirrigated plant was accompanied by an increase in ash content. Identical xeromorphic changes were stated in selected leaves the area of which was equal to those of the irrigated plants. In spite of the maximal number of stomata per unit area on both sides of Ihe blade a full turgor was maintained in the cells of the nonirrigated plants during the hottest and driest months and they survived until rains started (Novemher), although no significant changes were then noted in soil moisture within the sphere of the root dispersion. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved