title: Systematic study of annual weed Phalaris minor Retz. (Poaceae) in Iran.
abstract: Phalaris minor is an anuual grass in North temperate regions. This weed is inhabited in damp soils and swamps of Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region. Anatomical structure of leaf trans-sections, dorsal epidermis and morphological variation of 23 accessions of Phalaris minor from different parts of Iran were studied. Coastal and inter-coastal characters were evaluated and the intra-specific variations were studied. Results indicate a lot of variations in shape and wall thickness of long cells, the number and type of short cell, stomata number per leaf area, shape of silica bodies, guard cells and the presence of different kind of hairs. Also sclerenchyma position, the shape of midrib and furrows of leaf blade and the features of vascular bundles show a lot of variations. Different accessions show variations in shoot length and spike shape and length. The results indicate that there may be some ecotypes in Phalaris minor of Iran. Statistical analysis is provided for Iranian populations of weedy Phalaris minor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Keshavarzi
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khaksar
authors.forename: Mahvash
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seifali
mesh_terms: D048429:Cell Size; D017753:Ecosystem; D035264:Flowers / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D007492:Iran; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006109:Poaceae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*