Biometric characterization of plant and leaf micromorphometry of Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd cultivated under shading

Resumo

Talinum triangulare, known as Ceylon spinach, Surinam purslane, and waterleaf, is cultivated for medicinal and food purposes. Among environmental factors, light is an important regulator of primary production, contributing to plant growth. However, each individual success depends on its morphoanatomical responses to light. The aim of this study was to determine which biometric variables of T. triangulare and its leaf micromorphometry are affected when cultivated in full sun and under 18, 30 and 50% shading. T. triangulare cultivation was tested in bed arranged in blocks under shading levels of 0, 18, 30 and 50%, with 4 replications. The variables plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, leaf fresh weight, stem fresh weight, specific leaf area, leaf area ratio, abaxial epidermis and mesophyll thickness grew as shading levels increased. However, there was a decrease in the number of leaves, root to aerial part ratio, stomatal density of abaxial and adaxial surfaces and palisade parenchyma thickness. On the other hand, root length, leaf and stem dry weights, leaf weight ratio, adaxial stomatal index, adaxial epidermis and spongy parenchyma thickness remained constant. Plants responded differently to shading, with morphological and anatomical changes, suggesting a phenotypic plasticity and raising the possibility of being cultivated both under shaded environments and in full sun.