Analysis of Chlorophyll and Stomata of the Leaves of Three Improved Varieties of Manihot esculenta Crantz

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the physiological efficiency of the leaves of three improved cassava varieties. The varieties include UMUCAS 44, TME 419 and TMS 96/0523. Determination of the density and stomata distribution were performed using the North Replica method.  Stomatal count on the lower epidermis varied significantly between leaflets and among the cassava varieties. The leaf tissue was extracted in 80% acetone and analyzed for chlorophyll content by measuring the absorbance at 663nm and 645nm for chlorophyll a and b respectively, and at 652nm for chlorophyll a+b. The result obtained from this study showed significant variations in leaf stomata count, and in leaf chlorophyll concentrations among the cassava cultivars. Chlorophyll b content for all three cultivars was lowest since the plants were not under any water-limiting stress. UMUCAS 44 had the highest stomatal count, and TMS 96/0523 was seen to have the highest chlorophyll content of the three varieties.

Keywords: Chlorophyll, Stomata, Cassava varieties, Photosynthesis, Cassava leaves.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-6-03

Publication date:March 31^st 2022