MORPHO-ANATOMICAL TRAITS OF QUERCUS CERRIS AND Q. RUBRA ONE-YEAR-OLD SEEDLINGS CULTIVATED IN DIFFERENT CONTAINER TYPES

The paper investigated the variability of the morphological-anatomical traits of one-year-old oak seedlings (Quercus cerris L. and Quercus rubra L.) produced in three different container types (Hiko, Plantagrah, biodegradable). A two-factorial ANOVA showed for the morphological characteristics (root collar diameter and height) statistically significant difference between the species and between the containers, too. The interaction between the variability factors (container type and species) also affects height and root collar diameter. As for the obtained results of two-factorial ANOVA for anatomical parameters (wood, bark, pith proportion, and vessel width), statistically significant differences were obtained for all of them between species, as well as between container types. On the other hand, the interaction of container type and species does not affect vessel width and bark content unlike wood and pith proportion. Comparing the species, it can be concluded that the average values of all traits, apart from vessel width, are higher in Q.rubra L. The largest dimensions of all elements regardless of the species were obtained for Hiko, then Plantagrah, and the smallest for biodegradable container.

Preliminary anatomical study on secondary thickening parts of endemic Dracaena cinnabari balf.fil. from the Soqotra island

The present study investigates anatomical structure of secondary thickening parts (rootstem- branch) of endemic monocot Dracaena cinnabari. The measurement of microscopic structure parameters was carried out using analytical imaging. The differences between vascular bundles were determined. The results show presence of concentric vascular bundles in all investigated plant organs. In general, the parenchyma cells cover majority of the total area (an average of 77%), much less covers xylem (an average of 19%) and phloem (an average of 4%). The results indicate that the plant body is well adapted to sub-tropical climate regimes and specific environmental conditions prevailing on the island such as limited access to soil moisture and sufficient nocturnal dew which is essential for plant growth and survival.