Análise anatômica comparada de folhas em plantas diploides e tetraploides de Stylosanthes guianensis (Fabaceae)

Abstract

Stylosanthes guianensis (Fabaceae) is a tropical forage legume of high agronomic relevance. This study compared the leaf anatomy of diploid and colchicine-induced tetraploid plants. Eight anatomical variables were evaluated in transverse leaf sections, including epidermal thickness, palisade and spongy parenchyma, phloem, leaf blade, main vein, and xylem vessel caliber. Tetraploid plants exhibited significantly higher values in all variables, especially in mesophyll thickening and xylem vessel enlargement. Despite these quantitative changes, the fundamental structural organization of the leaf was maintained. The findings confirm that induced polyploidy leads to consistent anatomical modifications and highlight its potential as a breeding tool for tropical forage legumes.