Non-uniform, patchy stomatal closure of a plant is a strong determinant of plant growth under stressful situation.

摘要

The stomatal response of cassia (Cassia streata L.) and dhaincha (Sesbania rostrata L.) to a coalmine overburden (OB) substrate was studied with a view to rehabilitate such areas. Plants raised in unmined soil were used as controls. The mine OB induced significant increase in stomatal index (SI) with diminished stomatal size and a stomatal closure in the test plants. The leaf water status measured as water content was significantly enhanced, while the relative growth rate was markedly reduced. This is indicative of slow but sustainable growth of the species in mine OB adverse conditions.