Silica Concentration is Related to Leaf Traits but not to a Specific Anatomical Tissue in Tropical Fodder Grass Species

Variation in silica content was examined in relation to foliar structure, chemical composition and anatomy of nine perennial tropical fodder grass species cultivated under uniform conditions. The following parameters were determined: silica (SiO₂) and soluble ash (SA) in blades and sheaths; carbon, relative water content (RWC) and specific leaf area (SLA) of blades only. Proportions of different tissues were determined by image analysis of transverse sections of leaves. There was a large variation in SiO₂ concentration among species (range 2.4 –13.6%). SiO₂ and SA were positively correlated in blades and sheaths. All other traits also showed significant variation among species. The nine species also showed contrasting anatomy. A significant pattern of covariations existed between SLA, RWC and proportion of parenchyma. High SiO₂ concentrations were generally associated with sclerophylly (i.e. a high proportion of vascular tissue and sclerenchyma, and a low SLA and RWC). Therefore, the results did not support the hypothesis that SiO₂ might represent an alternative mechanism of structural support without carbon cost.

Source de publication: European Journal of Scientific Research 62(4): 559-570

Contacts du ou des auteurs: Valentin M. Kindomihou (vkindomihou@yahoo.fr), Gustave D. Dagbénonbakin, Jean-Pierre Bognonkpe, Brice A. Sinsin, Pierre J. Meerts