The Analysis of Stomatal Density and Leaf Geometries in Plant Tissues Visual and Image Processing Rahman Tashakkori, Luke Rice, and Bahar Akhtar Appalachian State University   The Analysis of Stomatal Density and Leaf Geometries in Plant Tissues Karunesh Polireddy & Akash Kejriwal

Objective Analyze the factors affecting stomatal density Precipitation Temperature Visualize the geometric figures on leaves and identify any geometric similarities between plants of the same species Previous work by environmentalists studying the atmosphere

Stomata Density - Method The stomatal density was measured using a Proscope HR Microscope with a 400x magnification and 640x480 resolution.

Stoma seen at 400x magnification Stomatal Density Stomata –mouth-like structures that regulate the gases and liquid that enter and leave a leaf Stoma seen at 400x magnification

Stomatal Density Correlation w/ Temperature: As temperature increases, stomatal density decreases.

Stomatal Density Correlation w/ Precipitation: As precipitation increases, stomatal density increases.

Leaf Geometry Leaf Geometry – the geometrical shapes found on the plant epidermis. Can be similar or can be different as well. Geometries of Rhododendron and Hasta leaves were compared

Leaf Geometry – Method Leaf geometries were found using “The Leafinator” created by Clint Guin. The Leafinator, a program, measured average area, perimeter, hull area, and hull perimeter.

Leaf Geometry - Rhododendron Three types were observed. Type 1 and Type 2 were similar but Type 3 was not. Leaf geometry is a varying factor. They can be different or similar between a species. 1 2 3

Leaf Geometry - Hasta Three types were observed. Problem – lack of geometry Resulting in skewed and uncorrelated data. 1 2 3

Conclusion – Stomatal Density Can identify a plant’s species and biome. The agave bovicornuta and poinsettia cactus have smaller density than daisies, squash, zucchinis, and shrubs. This is due to environmental factors (temperature precipitation).

Conclusion – Leaf Geometry Leaf Geometry shows relation between plants of same species However, not all are similar. Hasta leaves did not show any geometry on the epidermis.

References [1] Broussard, Dillon, Tobi Ray, and Brittany Schaneman. "Stomata Mechanics: How a Stomata Works." Stomata Mechanics: How a Stomata Works. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2013. <http://uwstudentweb.uwyo.edu/d/dbrouss1/stomate.htm>. [2] Xu, Zhenzhu, and Guangsheng Zhou. "Responses of Leaf Stomatal Density to Water Status and Its Relationship with Photosynthesis in a Grass." PMC. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 22 July 2008. Web. 17 July 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529243/>. [3] Meatyard, Barry, and Mary MacDonald. "Measuring Stomatal Density." Science & Plants for Schools. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2013. <http://www.saps.org.uk/secondary/teaching-resources/299-measuring-stomatal-density->. [4] "Weather History for Boone, North Carolina." Weather History for Boone, North Carolina. Yankee Publishing, 18 July 2012. Web. 18 July 2013. [5] "7-Day Zone Forecast for Mojave Desert Including the Mojave National Preserve." 7-Day Zone Forecast for Eastern Mojave Desert Including the Mojave National Preserve. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2013. <http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ524>. [6] Knox, Gary W. "About Desert Plants." Desert Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 July 2013. <http://www.livingdesert.org/gardens_agave.html>. [7] "Types of Photosynthesis." Types of Photosynthesis. Pima Community College, n.d. Web. 15 July 2013. [8] "Agave Bovicornuta at San Marcos Growers." Plant Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2013. <http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3218>. [9] "The Geometry of Leaves." Education.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 July 2013.

Acknowledgements Thanks to our professors for helping us carry out this project. Dr. Rahman Tashakkori Mr. Luke Rice Ms. Bahar Akhtar And others.. Dr. Carol Babyak Mr. Clint Guin