Stomatal Density, Leaf Area and Canopy Volume of Guava Trees as Influenced by Exogenous Ethephon Application

摘要

Exogenous ethephon application significantly influences the tree canopy volume, leaf area and number of stomata in guava leaves. During both years of study the plant canopy volume was significantly restricted by ethephon application and was measured only 38.85 m super(3) in ethephon 1000 ppm treated plants as compared to 45.62 m super(3) in untreated plants. Similarly, least leaf size (32.20 cm super(2)) was measured in ethephon 1000 ppm treated plants followed by 33.17 cm super(2) in ethephon 500 ppm treated plants and maximum leaf area (34.70 cm super(2)) in plants kept as control. The stomatal density exhibited negative association with leaf area. As the leaf area increased the stomatal density decreased. The plants with least canopy volume and reduced leaf area exhibited highest stomatal density. The plants treated with higher dose of ethephon gave the maximum stomatal density of 52.06 stomatas per 0.1 mm super(2) area and minimum of 46.95 stomatas in unsprayed plants.