Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXV, Issue 2
Written by Rodica VÂRBAN, Dan VÂRBAN, Ioana CRIȘAN
With a long history of cultivation in warm climates, Corchorus olitorius is a versatile plant with many utilizations. This species has been used for fibres, as leafy vegetable, for medicinal purposes, has phytoremediation potential and could present interest for a variety of emerging applications from agriculture to biotechnology. The aim of this research was to provide a micro-morphological characterization for leaves of jute plants grown for the first time in conditions from Cluj county, Romania. Microscopic analysis revealed that jute leaves displayed paracytic stomatal complexes, average leaf stomata density of 518.31 per mm2, and characteristic capitate glandular trichomes less than 50 μm in size. Leaf insertion exercised a significant influence on stomata density, with an increased stomata density in leaves from secondary branches compared to leaves from first order stems, fact that is consistent with Zalenski’s law. Plants developed a bushy habitus in the field and produced flowers and fruits towards the end of the summer. It is proposed that C. olitorius to be introduced in cultivation in local conditions for culinary and medicinal purposes.
[Read full article] [Citation]
