Contemporary seasonal and altitudinal variations of leaf structural features in oregano (Origanum vulgare L.).

ABSTRACT: The effects of elevation (200, 950 and 1760 m) and season (April-October) on leaf morphological, anatomical, ultrastructural, morphometrical and photosynthetic parameters were studied in Origanum vulgare plants. Observations aimed at the determination of the alterations in leaf structure and function associated with differential growth and adaptation of plants. Raising elevation results in a progressive decrease of plant height. During the growing period, summer plants are taller than spring and autumn plants at all elevations examined. In high-altitude populations (O. vulgare ssp. vulgare), the blade size becomes reduced in June leaves as compared with October leaves, while it does not change remarkably in low-altitude populations (O. vulgare ssp. hirtum). Leaf thickness remains more or l

SUBMITTER: Kofidis G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4244847 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature