Measurements of stomatal density and size of the creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) var. Penncross by autofluorescence observation method

Abstract

We measured the density (D) and lengths of foliar stomata (Ls) and guard cells (Lg) of the creeping bentgrass (A. stolonifera) var. Penncross by the autofluorescence observation method. Based on D, Ls, and Lg, we calculated the maximum stomatal conductance to CO₂ (g_cmax). The upper (adaxial) side D of leaf blade (width≥1 mm) were 170–194 count mm⁻², significantly greater than the lower (abaxial) 78–116 count mm⁻² (p<0.01 or p<0.001). The upper g_cmax was 0.416–0.616 mol m⁻² S⁻¹, two times larger than the lower 0.197–0.314 mol m⁻² S⁻¹. These results suggest the upper side of Penncross foliage has higher absorptivity of CO₂ and foliar fertilizers than the lower.