Anatomical and micromorphological analysis of root, stem and leaf of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv

The aim of this research was to investigate and characterise the anatomical structure of vegetative organs in Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv., commonly known as cockspur or barnyardgrass. E. crus-galli is a member of the Poaceae family and a common weed species which occures in many crops. For the purposes of this research, fully developed plants were collected from the experimental field of the Institute of Vegetable crops in Smederevska Palanka. Several methodes of microslide preparation were employed to investigate the anatomy of root, stem, and leaf. Cockspur has high water requirements and belongs to the hygrophilous weed species (F4), which is anatomically reflected by the presence of large intercellular spaces (aerenchyma) present in the stem and root. Generally speaking, the anatomical characteristics of E. crus-galli, especially considering not only lignified endodermis, but also presence of lignified exodermis in roots, share similarities with anatomical characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.), in whose fields this species is considered one of the most troublesome weeds. The anatomical structure of the stem is typical of monocots, featuring a single-layered epidermis on the surface, a hypodermis composed of chlorenchyma and sclerenchyma, and collateral vascular bundles. The collateral vascular bundles were distributed in a pattern characteristic of the Poaceae family, and scattered throughout the stem's main body, surrounded by well-developed parenchyma tissue. The leaves are characterized by Kranz anatomy, which is typical of plants with C4-type photosynthesis. The leaf surface is characterized by the presence of short, non-glandular trichomes on both the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, while silica cells are located exclusively in the adaxial epidermis. These morpho-anatomical characteristics could be an significant factor in the absorption of foliar-applied herbicides, making their understanding crucial for effective chemical control.