Anatomy of vegetative organs and seed histochemistry of Physalis peruviana L.

Abstract

Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae) is a plant species whose fruits can be classified as fine fruits, which is similar to other species such as blueberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry and pitaya. The consumption of this fruit remains limited due to cost, which remains high due to limited production, crop management, intensive labor requirements and the associated transport and storage requirements. Studies that investigate the anatomy of vegetative organs may be important from an agronomic point of view because they provide information on anatomical structures and may be applied to cultivation practices. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the type of reserve that occurs in seeds and anatomically characterize vegetative organs of Physalis peruviana L. (physalis). Histochemical tests and anatomical characterization were performed on the vegetative organs such as root, stem and leaf. Cross-sections (apical, middle and basal) of the seeds were examined using histochemical tests with specific dyes and reagents. Leaves and stems were used to examine the anatomy of the vegetative organs. Physalis seeds showed the presence of lipid reserves. The exposure of physalis to the east-west axis promoted thickening of the leaf midrib and blade and promoted the development of secondary xylem and phloem in the stem. Thus, the leaves on this axis appeared to show traits that favor greater radiation tolerance, which is a trait typical of sun leaves. The root of physalis has a uniseriate epidermis with the exodermis just below the epidermis.