Leaf anatomy of Tabebuia serratifolia (Vahl) Nich. (Bignoniaceae) propagated in vitro, in vivo and during the acclimatization

The seedlings spread by micropropagation techniques, usually show significant alterations induced by the conditions in vitro, which decrease the survival capacity after the transfer to conditions ex vitro. The evaluation of the structural change during the acclimatization is necessary for the understanding of this adaptation process. The objective of this research was to identify the anatomical differences among the seedlings cultivated in vitro, in vivo and acclimatized plants of Tabebuia serratifolia (Vahl) Nich. (yellow ipe), species with great medicinal and ornamental interest. One used seedlings maintained for 43 days in growth chamber, with 20, 40, 60 and 80 days of acclimatization and seedlings after 90 days of cultivation in vivo. Seedlings were obtained from culture of embryos in half BAD and transplanted to tubes containing plantmax (R), for aclimatizacao in nursery house under 50% of shad. In the same conditions of the acclimatization the seedlings in vivo were produced. Transversal and paradermal sections were prepared using the usual microthecniques. The results showed that the seedlings in vitro have the leaf tissue little differed and the stomata are open and bigger, demanding greater cares in the initial stage of acclimatization. At 60 days of acclimatization the new leaves produced have some anatomical aspects that can originate higher photosynthetic efficiency and better water regulation capacity of the plants.