Dynamic changes of stomatal characteristics during the flower, fruit and leaf developments of Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb

The presence of stomata in flower and fruit is common but there is limited information about stomata distribution during their development. The aim of this study was to verify the stomatal characteristics in the petal surfaces, exocarps and leaf epidermis during their developments. The median region of exocarps, adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals and leaf midribs during the development of Zephyranthes candida was studied under light microscopes. The results showed that there were stomata on the median region of exocarps, adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals and leaf midribs. The petal and fruit epidermal cells were polygonal in shape, while leaf epidermal cells were strip. The leaf stomatal index and stomatal density were the largest in the surfaces investigated. In different parts, the stomatal index, stomatal density, length and width of guard cell showed different correlations during different stages of development. Key words : Stomatal density, stomatal index, guard cell, development, correlation.