Variability of anatomical-physiological traits in black locust clones (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

This paper presents the results of a study of genotype variability of the main leaf anatomical (frequency, length and width of stomata, leaflet thiskness among veins, leaflet thickness on the main vein, mesophyll thickness, length and width of vascular bundle of main vein) and physiological parameters (leaf area, photosynthetic pigments content and content of N, P, K, Ca, Na) among five clones of Robinia pseudoacacia L. Significant interclonal variations were observed in the investigated parameters. Clone R-56 had the highest N, P, and K concentrations, the largest mesophyll volume and the highest pigment concentration. We concluded that the clone R-56, although without a remarkable leaf area, possesses the ability for high photosynthetic production. The results are going to be used in further work on selection.