MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF LEAF AND PETIOLE OF LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM OBTAINED FROM BOTANICAL GARDEN, IKOT OSURUA, AKWA IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC

Microscopic study of leaf and petiole analysis of Lycopersicon esculentum obtained from botanical garden, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic was carried out.. The results obtained revealed that the epidermal cell shape was irregular on both surfaces. The anticlinal wall pattern was undulate on both surfaces. The trichomes type was absent on the abaxial surface while multicellular trichomes were present at the adaxial surface. The stomatal types were anisocytic, anomocytic on the adaxial surface and anisocytic on the abaxial surface while the stomatal distribution were amphistomatic. The quantitative analysis revealed that the length and width of epidermal cell of adaxial surfaces were 57.69±5.60 µm and 27.57 µm ± 2.32 µm respectively. While the length and width of stomata were 30.5±2.99 µm and 17.74± 3.44 µm respectively. The length and width of epidermal cell of abaxial surfaces were 57.58% 4.15 µm and 26.66 3.96 µm respectively. While the length and width of stomata were 31.80±1.84 µm and 22.2+ 4.90 µm respectively. The combination of anatomical features like undulate anticlinal walls, multicellular trichomes on the adaxial surface, varied stomatal types, and amphistomatic distribution suggests that Lycopersicon esculentum is highly adapted to an environment where gas exchange and water regulation must be finely balanced. Hence, this provide insights into the physiological characteristics of the plant, its adaptability to its environment, and its overall health.