Characterization of trichomes in the flowers of Tobacco – Nicotiana tabacum L. –. Microscopic note

Abstract

This study presents a detailed morpho-anatomical characterization of the floral pubescence of Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Virginia, a plant organ less studied than the leaves. Using dissociation and clearing techniques, the diversity of trichomes on the different floral parts was analyzed. The profuse pubescence, particularly on the perianth, was described. Among the most significant results, the presence of multicellular dendroid trichomes on sepals and petals, which had not been previously reported for this species, is described as a novel characteristic. Some differences have been observed in relation to the limited literature dedicated to the study of the flowers of this plant, and these are discussed. This work contributes to the anatomical knowledge of N. tabacum, since the structures described here can be considered diagnostically useful for the species.