Resumo

CARBONE, Alejandra V. et al. Morpho-anatomical features of the leaves and stems of Baccharís notosergila (Asteraceae) and their relationship with the environment and chemical control. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2021, vol.56, n.4, pp.423-444. ISSN 1851-2372.  http://dx.doi.org/10.31055/1851.2372.v56.n4.33519.

Background and aims: Baccharis notosergila is an aggressive weed inhabiting the Salado river basin, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The aims were: to analyze the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of aerial vegetative organs in order to understand the adaptation strategies that ensure its survival, as well as to expand knowledge on traits determining resistance to the control methods applied.

M&M: The material collected was prepared and examined with conventional techniques of microscopy. Histochemical tests were performed.

Results: The major features found were small and deciduous leaves; uniseriate epidermis with massive and striate cuticle; stomata at level or slightly above the other epidermal cells and glandular trichomes secreting oily substances; stomata on both surfaces and isobilateral mesophyll. Starch, phenolic and lipophilic substances, and resins were identified in leaves and stems, and calcium oxalate crystals in leaves, stems and capitate trichomes.

Conclusions: The aerial vegetative organs features of B. notosergila explain its tolerance to the unfavorable conditions of the Salado river basin area, as well as its competitive ability over others species of the natural prairie. The reduced and deciduous leaves, the epidermal traits, and chemical substances found constitute a physical and chemical barrier reducing dehydration as well as the penetration of the herbicides applied for its control. Botanical knowledge of B. notosergila is the basis to develop new and appropiate management methods for this species.

Palavras-chave : Aboveground system; environmental adaptation; stress tolerance.