Leaf anatomy, ultrastructure and plasticity of Coffea arabica L. in response to light and nitrogen availability

Marcelo Francisco Pompelli; Gilmara Martini Pompelli; Elaine Cristina Cabrini; Marília Contin Ventrella

doi:10.5007/2175-7925.2012v25n4p13

Autores

Marcelo Francisco Pompelli Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Gilmara Martini Pompelli Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Departamento de Botânica
Elaine Cristina Cabrini Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha Mucuri Diamantina, MG
Marília Contin Ventrella Federal University of Viçosa Viçosa, MG, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2012v25n4p13

Resumo

Phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variation occurs at all organizational levels and across temporal scales within plants. However, the magnitude and functional significance of this plasticity is little explored in perennial species. We examined the influence of different light regimes and nitrogen (N) availability on the morphological and physiological plasticity of coffee seedlings (Coffea arabica L.). Potted plants were grown under 100% and 50% of full sunlight and were fertilized with Hoagland’s solutions containing 0, 16 or 23mM N. Most leaf traits responded to light with a classic 100% vs. 50% dichotomy [e.g., compared with those grown under 100% of full sunlight, 50% leaves had a thinner palisade mesophyll and a lower leaf mass per area (LMA) for improved light capture]. The outer periclinal cell walls in both epidermises exhibited thick epicuticular wax and three distinct layers. Chloroplasts of the mesophyll cells were densely occupied by thylakoids and starch grains. These characteristics were observed most clearly in plants supplemented by nitrogen or in those grown in shade conditions. Large starch granules were observed, but no membrane injuries were observed in either treatment. The plasticity index was high for the physiological traits that are associated with photoprotection and the maintenance of a positive carbon balance under 50% of full sunlight but was low for most morpho-anatomical features.

Biografia do Autor

Marcelo Francisco Pompelli, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Possui graduação em Ciências Biológicas pela Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina (1997), mestrado em Biotecnologia pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (2002) e doutorado em Fisiologia Vegetal pela Universidade Federal de Viçosa e pós-doutoramento em Bioquímica de Plantas pela Universidade Federal de Alagoas (2008). Atualmente é professor da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, departamento de Botânica, onde atual com Ecofisiologia Vegetal e coordena projetos na área de ecofisiologia do estresse ambientais. Além disso, atua como extensionista, onde coordena o projeto Práticas em Biologia Vegetal: métodos, técnicas e aplicabilidade. Formação continuada de professores da Rede Municipal e Estadual de Ensino de Ciências e Biologia . É revisor de diversas revistas importantes em ecofisiologia vegetal e fisiologia da germinação de sementes. É membro da comissão editorial da Revista Colombiana de Ciências Hortícolas.