Leaf Epidermal Micromorphology of Some Land Races of Dioscorea rotundata L. Found In West Africa

Anatomical studies of the micromorphology of the leaves of 10 land races of Dioscorea rotundata L. found in West Africa were carried out using light microscopy to study the variations in anatomy within the cultivars which would help in the correct identification of the yam cultivars. These land races were Agbocha, Adaka, Aloshi, Nwanyieri, Dorban, He-abalo, Dente, Obiaturugo, Ame and Atalibe. Epidermal cells were observed to be polygonal in Agbaochi and Adaka, but sinuous anticlinal epidermal cell walls were observed in the other land races. The leaves of all the plants were hypostomatic. Anisocytic stomata were found in Agbaocha, Adaka, Dorban, He-abalo, Dente and Atalibe. Paracytic and anisocytic stomata were found in Ame while anomocytic stomata were observed in Aloshi and Nwanyieri. Mean stomatal index recorded were more in Agbocha (47.37%), Aloshi (45.45%), Nwanyieri (44.64%) and less in Dorban (20%), Obiatgurugo (20%) and Atalibe (23%). Stomatal length was highest in Dorban (30.1 ± 0.95 µm) and lowest in Nwanyieri (6.2 ± 1.1 µm) while stomatal width was also highest in Dorban (19.3 ± 1.1 µm) and lowest also in Nwanyieri (4.3 ± 0.95 µm). These diagnostic features are taxonomically revealing as observed in the 10 land races studied and can aid in the identification, characterization and description of the plants investigated.