Comparative anatomical study of leaf and petiole in three species of pear (Pyrus L.)in Guilan Province

The aim of this study was comparing the anatomical characters of leaves and petioles of 3 species of pear (Pyrus boissieriana Buhse, Pyrus communis L, Pyrus hyrcana Fedor) in Guilan Province.

In this study, for anatomical study of species, at first, plant samples were collected. Then the manual section was performed in the laboratory. Carmine staining was used in order to stain the samples. After staining, slides were prepared from the cross-sectional area. For observing the transverse sections of leaves and petiole, optical microscope equipped with a scaled lens was used. Then, the data obtained from anatomical characters were statistically analyzed.

Leaf and petiole thickness were different among three tested species. The highest midrib thickness belonged to p < /em>. communis (682±1.11μm). The lowest midrib thickness was observed in p < /em>. hyrcana (431.66±1.05μm). Anatomical characters are effective and important in species segregation. Therefore, anatomical characteristics in different plant species will be useful in terms of taxonomic classification.