ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND VARIATION ANALYSIS OF FOLIAR AND CAULINAR EPIDERMIS BETWEEN TWO GENOTYPES OF Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex Andrews

Abstract

Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex Andrews has its center of origin in Mexico, where its genetic diversity is grouped. Although there are some reports about the vegetative anatomy of V. planifolia, there are no specific studies that reveal whether there is anatomical variation, in addition to the genetic and chemical variation detected. Whether there is anatomical variation in the foliar and caulinar epidermis of two genotypes of V. planifolia was determined, as well as which traits support the recognition of these or are genetically established and characteristic of the species. Samples of leaf and stem of the contrasting genotypes in terms of their aromatic compounds, GIII and GVI, were collected in five localities of the Totonacapan region, Mexico. Semi-permanent and permanent preparations were obtained from both organs and seventeen epidermal parameters were analyzed. The anatomical description of the foliar and caulinar epidermis is presented, mentioning differences between the genotypes. It was found that there are significant differences in thirteen parameters, and that the area of adaxial epidermal cells in the leaf, the area of epidermal cells, the length of occlusive cells, and the stomatal index of the stem are traits that are probably defined genetically for this species, and that there is a positive correlation between the size of certain epidermal parameters and the altitude of the geographical origin of the genotypes.