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Abstract Detail



Recent Topics Posters

Amaro, Nancy [1], Goodson, Bria [1], Pratt, Takayla [1], Sly, Tamara [1], Baghai-Riding, Nina [1].

Anatomical features of Ranunculus sardous.

Students enrolled in the Spring 2019, BIO 410-Plant Anatomy course at Delta State University elected to do semester group projects on various weeds that occur in the Mississippi Delta. One group selected Ranunculus sardous Crantz (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as hairy buttercup, which is common throughout the southeastern United States. Native to Europe this species is a late winter to early spring annual weed in the Mississippi Delta. It occurs along roadsides, in lawns, and other moist disturbed habitats. Individuals of this species typically have five bright, unfused, yellow petals. Erect stems that reach a half-meter in height, three lobed leaves that possesses numerous trichomes, and achene seeds that form spherical to elongate clusters are other notable morphological characters of this species. Anatomical sections were made of the roots, stems, and leaves of specimens collected around Cleveland, MS. Longitudinal and cross sections were cut using single-edged razor blades of roots and stems; these sections were then stained with methylene blue and neutral red dyes. Leaf epidermal peels also were analyzed using clear nail polish. Digital photographs were taken with an Olympus BX43F light microscope. Overall the epidermal, vascular and ground tissues exhibited characteristics that are similar to other dicotyledons. The root exhibits exarch protoxylem and the endodermis and pericycle were clearly visible. The stem vascular tissue possess the typical eustele arrangement. Of special interest are the small striations seen on leaf lower epidermal cells. Leaf stomata appear as actinocyctic (lack subsidiary cells), and the stomata are not clustered tightly together. Future research will analyze the abundance of trichomes along its stems and leaves. Plant anatomical characters will be made to other members of this genus that exist in the Mississippi Delta using a scanning electron microscope. Overall, prepared root slides of Ranunculus often are used as a model in many botanical courses to discern exarch from endarch protoxylem. The apocarpous character of its flowers often are used in teaching plant systematics concepts.


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1 - Delta State University, Division of Mathematics and Sciences, Cleveland, MS, 38733, USA

Keywords:
hairy buttercup
Mississippi
Plant Anatomy.

Presentation Type:
Session: P, Recent Topics Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT024
Abstract ID:1401
Candidate for Awards:None


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