Autofluorescence observation of turfgrass foliage by fluorescence microscopy

Abstract

Foliar epidermal observation of turfgrass by fluorescence microscopy was utilized to study foliar fertilization and turfgrass vitality. Epidermal autofluorescence of eight cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and Japanese lawngrass (Zoysia matrella) were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Many stomata were clearly recognized on adaxial and abaxial sides, suggesting that foliar fertilizers are effectively absorbed through these openings and through cuticular aqueous pores of the stomatal guard cells. In addition, cell walls were convex in almost all cultivars and small spines existed in places on the foliar epidermis. These autofluorescence observations could possibly become an index of turfgrass vitality. Autofluorescence observation of turfgrass foliage was considered a simple and convenient method for monitoring foliar uptake.