Studies on the root anatomy of rubber producing endemic of Kazakhstan, Taraxacum Kok-Saghyz L.E. Rodin

Abstract

This paper highlights morpho-metric and anatomical characteristics of a rare, endangered, endemic species Taraxacum kok-saghyz from Kazakhstan. The plant has been investigated using three different populations during young generative stages. The morphometric features recorded here from the natural populations show that, height of T. kok-saghyz plants and diameter of crown significantly increase in generative period. Plant roots contain milky tubes filled with coagulated latex-rubber threads, and are characterized by varying degrees of specific tissue development, depending on place of growth. Thus, it was found that plants of population ? 2 are characterized by significant development of primary cork (553.12 mkm=micron) and diameter of central cylinder (432.70 µ), in which narrow clearance xylem elements are concentrated. On the contrary, plants of population ? 3, have all signs of body xeromorphic structures (strong development of cover tissue and presence of more wide clearance vessels of water conducting tissue). Dark chestnut mountain soil type is the most favorable for plant growth and development. This taxon is a hygrophilous plant therefore water supply conditions affect distinctive features of plant internal structure. © 2018, Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum. All rights reserved.Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of KazakhstanAcknowledgements: This research was conducted at the "Plant Ecology" research laboratory of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Authors are thankful to them for their support. Our special thanks go to the ? Ministry of Education and Science ? , Republic of Kazakhstan for funding this study as a research project on basic research on the "biological characteristics, current status and protection of cenopopulations of some rare plant species in Almaty region". -